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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
06:42
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Quantum coherent Chladni-like resonance: Programming ions as matter waves for subpicosecond conduction
Yaren Sezen1, Niyazi Okan Çiftçi2, Mehmet Ali Sarsıl1
1Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul 34450, Türkiye.
Summary
Scientists achieved ultrafast, coherent ionic conduction by exciting ions with a critical electrical pulse, transforming them into wave packets. This breakthrough enables picosecond-scale energy storage and advanced computing applications.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state ionics
- Quantum phenomena in materials
- Nanoscale transport
Background:
- Ionic transport in solids is typically slow and stochastic.
- Achieving coherent ionic motion analogous to electron waveguides is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate coherent control of ionic transport in a two-dimensional electrochemical cell.
- To investigate the transformation of ionic conduction from diffusive to wavelike motion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a two-dimensional electrochemical cell (borophene/h-BN/graphene).
- Applied a critical-frequency (10 kHz) electrical pulse to excite a collective ionic eigenmode.
- Employed time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy to observe ionic motion.
Main Results:
- Observed the transformation of ionic conduction into a coherent, ballistic wave.
- Detected a strong 28 THz oscillation, indicating subpicosecond wavelike ionic motion.
- Demonstrated ions traversing an 80 nm channel as a coherent wave packet in under 300 fs, a >1,000-fold speed enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Quantum-level resonance can be achieved for ionic matter, enabling programmable, ultrafast coherent ionic conduction.
- This work unlocks the field of coherent ionics for applications in picosecond-scale energy storage and neuromorphic computing.
- Demonstrated the potential to control ions as matter-waves for advanced technological applications.
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