Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
07:56
A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
8.9K
Steady-state entanglement generation via Casimir-Polder interactions
Mohsen Izadyari1,2,3, Onur Pusuluk4, Kanu Sinha5
1College of Optical Sciences and Department of Physics, University of Arizon, Tucson, 85721, USA. izadyari.m@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|October 23, 2025
Summary
We show how Casimir-Polder interactions near surfaces can generate steady-state entanglement between atoms. Optimal entanglement is achieved with superconducting surfaces, demonstrating a way to use quantum fluctuations for entanglement.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Atomic physics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Quantum entanglement is crucial for quantum technologies.
- Casimir-Polder (CP) interactions are typically considered detrimental to quantum coherence at nanoscales.
- Understanding interactions between atoms and surfaces is key for quantum system design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the generation of steady-state entanglement between two atoms via fluctuation-mediated CP interactions.
- To analyze the influence of medium properties and atomic dipole configurations on entanglement dynamics.
- To explore the potential of using surface interactions for controlled entanglement generation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of atom-atom entanglement dynamics starting from an initially separable state.
- Modeling CP interactions between atoms and a planar medium.
- Examination of entanglement generation for varying distances (nanometer range) from the surface.
- Assessment of medium properties (conductivity, losses) and geometrical configurations.
Main Results:
- Perfectly conducting and superconducting surfaces yield optimal steady-state concurrence around 0.5.
- Entanglement generation decreases with increasing medium losses for metallic surfaces.
- An optimal distance from a metal surface was identified to enhance entanglement generation.
- Demonstrated a mechanism to leverage fluctuation-mediated interactions for entanglement.
Conclusions:
- Steady-state entanglement between atoms can be generated using Casimir-Polder interactions near surfaces.
- Surface properties and atomic arrangement significantly impact entanglement.
- This work presents a method to utilize quantum fluctuations, typically seen as noise, for beneficial entanglement creation.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Carrier Generation and Recombination
1.2K
Carrier generation is the process by which electron-hole pairs (EHPs) are created within the semiconductor. In direct-bandgap semiconductors, such as gallium arsenide (GaAs), this occurs efficiently when energy absorption prompts valence electrons to leap into the conduction band, leaving behind holes.
This process is given by the generation rate G and is efficient due to the conservation of momentum between the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum.
Indirect generation involves an...
This process is given by the generation rate G and is efficient due to the conservation of momentum between the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum.
Indirect generation involves an...
1.2K
01:20Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
1.6K
Two NMR-active nuclei bonded to a central atom can be involved in geminal or two-bond coupling. Geminal coupling is commonly seen between diastereotopic protons in chiral molecules and unsymmetrical alkenes, among others.
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
1.6K
01:22Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)
1.5K
Vicinal or three-bond coupling is commonly observed between protons attached to adjacent carbons. Here, nuclear spin information is primarily transferred via electron spin interactions between adjacent C‑H bond orbitals. This generally favors the antiparallel arrangement of spins, so 3J values are usually positive.
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...
1.5K
01:27¹H NMR: Long-Range Coupling
2.6K
The coupling interactions of nuclei across four or more bonds are usually weak, with J values less than 1 Hz. While these are usually not observed in spectra, the presence of multiple bonds along the coupling pathway can result in observable long-range coupling.
In alkenes, spin information is communicated via σ–π overlap, as seen in allylic (four-bond) and homoallylic (five-bond) couplings. These coupling interactions are stronger when the σ bond is parallel to the alkene...
In alkenes, spin information is communicated via σ–π overlap, as seen in allylic (four-bond) and homoallylic (five-bond) couplings. These coupling interactions are stronger when the σ bond is parallel to the alkene...
2.6K
01:10Entropy Change in Reversible Processes
3.2K
In the Carnot engine, which achieves the maximum efficiency between two reservoirs of fixed temperatures, the total change in entropy is zero. The observation can be generalized by considering any reversible cyclic process consisting of many Carnot cycles. Thus, it can be stated that the total entropy change of any ideal reversible cycle is zero.
The statement can be further generalized to prove that entropy is a state function. Take a cyclic process between any two points on a p-V diagram.
The statement can be further generalized to prove that entropy is a state function. Take a cyclic process between any two points on a p-V diagram.
3.2K
01:23Stability of Equilibrium Configuration
776
Understanding the stability of equilibrium configurations is a fundamental part of mechanical engineering. In any system, there are three distinct types of equilibrium: stable, neutral, and unstable.
A stable equilibrium occurs when a system tends to return to its original position when given a small displacement, and the potential energy is at its minimum. An example of a stable equilibrium is when a cantilever beam is fixed at one end and a weight is attached to the other end. If the weight...
A stable equilibrium occurs when a system tends to return to its original position when given a small displacement, and the potential energy is at its minimum. An example of a stable equilibrium is when a cantilever beam is fixed at one end and a weight is attached to the other end. If the weight...
776