--- title: "Quantum Physicists “Hold” Individual Atoms in Place for First Time" description: "Quantum physicists have figured out a way to \"hold\" individual atoms in place, offering up an unprecedented look at the way they interact with each other." date: "2020-02-20" modified: "2020-02-20" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/quantum-physicists-hold-atoms-in-place" categories: - "Physics" - "Science & Energy" tags: - "atomic physics" - "quantum behavior" - "quantum physics" - "the digest" --- # Quantum Physicists “Hold” Individual Atoms in Place for First Time ![Quantum physicists have figured out a way to "hold" individual atoms in place, offering up an unprecedented look at the way they interact with each other.]() *\Image: University of Otago\* ## Quantum Realm In a groundbreaking experiment, quantum physicists at the University of Otago in New Zealand have [figured out a way]() to "hold" individual atoms in place, offering up an unprecedented glimpse at the way they interact. According to the team, the work could lead to new technology that works on the smallest atomic scale possible, potentially stuffing even more computing power into tiny microchips than is already possible today. ## Molecule Rules The team even managed to observe two of three atoms collide to form a molecule — a process that has never been observed on this scale before. They were surprised at how long it took compared to previous experiments and calculations. "By working at this molecular level, we now know more about how atoms collide and react with one another," lead author and postdoc researcher Marvin Weyland said in [a statement](). "With development, this technique could provide a way to build and control single molecules of particular chemicals." ## Hyper Vacuum It took some serious equipment to make the groundbreaking observation. "Our method involves the individual trapping and cooling of three atoms to a temperature of about a millionth of a Kelvin using highly focused laser beams in a hyper-evacuated (vacuum) chamber, around the size of a toaster," Mikkel Andersen, co-author of [the paper]() published in the journal *Physical Review Letters* on Tuesday, said in the statement. READ MORE: [Physicists grab individual atoms in groundbreaking experiment]() \[University of Otago\] More on quantum physics: *[This Physicist Believes There Are Countless Parallel Universes]()* ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()