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Quantum Spin Stabilized Magnetic Levitation
C C Rusconi1,2, V Pöchhacker1,2, K Kustura1,2
1Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Physical Review Letters
|November 4, 2017
Summary
We theoretically demonstrate stable levitation of magnetic nanoparticles using quantum spin effects, overcoming Earnshaw's theorem. This quantum levitation exploits the gyromagnetic effect, revealing new stable phases and entangled quantum states.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Nanotechnology
- Magnetism
Background:
- Earnshaw's theorem traditionally prohibits stable static levitation of magnetic objects.
- Nanoparticles possess unique quantum spin properties influencing their magnetic behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically demonstrate stable levitation of a nonrotating magnetic nanoparticle in a static magnetic field.
- To explore the quantum mechanical principles enabling such levitation.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of a single magnetic domain nanoparticle.
- Application of quantum spin dynamics and the gyromagnetic effect.
- Derivation of a quadratic Hamiltonian for quantum fluctuations.
Main Results:
- Stable levitation of a nanoparticle is shown to be possible, defying Earnshaw's theorem.
- Two stable phases linked to Einstein-de Haas effect and Larmor precession are predicted.
- Entanglement and squeezing are identified in the quantum state at equilibrium.
Conclusions:
- Quantum spin properties, specifically the gyromagnetic effect, can enable stable magnetic nanoparticle levitation.
- The study reveals novel quantum phenomena, including entanglement, in levitated nanomagnets.
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