The Mysterious World of Quantum Physics

Quantum physics delves into the astonishing and often baffling realm of atoms and subatomic particles like neutrons, photons, and electrons. In this microscopic universe, phenomena such as 'negative' time and the famous Schrödinger's cat paradox, where particles can occupy two places simultaneously, challenge our conventional understanding of reality.

The Fascinating Phenomenon of Quantum Entanglement

One of the most intriguing phenomena is quantum entanglement, where pairs or groups of particles remain interconnected regardless of the distance separating them. Imagine two particles, light-years apart, yet influencing each other's behavior—this is the magic of entanglement. Professor Joachim Burgdörfer from the Institute of Theoretical Physics at TU Wien explains, "These particles don't possess individual properties; they share common traits, remaining mathematically linked even when separated by vast distances."

The Game-Changer: Speed of Entanglement Unveiled

For years, scientists believed that quantum entanglement occurred instantaneously. However, groundbreaking research from Burgdörfer and his team reveals a more complex truth: entanglement happens at astonishingly rapid speeds, not measured in seconds or milliseconds but in attoseconds—one quintillionth of a second (1,000,000,000,000,000,000).

Creating the Entangled State

To measure the speed of entanglement, researchers had to first generate this unique state. They did this by bombarding atoms with powerful, high-frequency laser pulses that could expel one or more electrons from an atom's embrace. In this process, some electrons are nudged into higher energy states while remaining tethered to the atom's nucleus.

Entangled and Observable: A New Discovery

Burgdörfer confirms, "We can demonstrate that these two electrons are now quantum entangled. You can only evaluate them together, meaning that measuring one provides insights into the other almost instantly.” The physicists employed dual laser beams to explore the 'birth time' of the departing electron related to the stationary one. While the precise timing remains elusive, preliminary findings suggest that if the remaining atom is in a high-energy state, the departing electron likely ejected earlier—taking an average of 232 attoseconds if it’s in a lower energy state.

The Dynamics of Electron Ejection

As assistant professor Iva Březinová elaborates, "The electron doesn't merely spring from the atom. It behaves like a wave escaping from its source, which takes a measurable amount of time. It is during this escape that entanglement occurs, an effect that can later be analyzed by observing the two electrons together.”

The Implications for Quantum Computing

As we stand on the brink of a quantum computing revolution, grasping the intricacies of quantum entanglement will be vital. This research enriches our understanding of fundamental quantum processes and sets the stage for innovations that could redefine technology as we know it.