Published in Physics World, 18 Feb 2010
Physicists in the US have for the first time trapped ultracold atoms of dysprosium, the most magnetic element in the periodic table. The breakthrough could open the door to a greater understanding of superfluidity, highly sensitive probes of magnetic fields, and new ways to read and encode quantum information.
Researchers would like to trap as many of the periodic table’s elements as possible, because the unique properties of each allow for different simulations of condensed-matter systems. The typical method involves a magneto-optical trap (MOT), in which a laser causes atoms to temporarily absorb photons and jump into an excited state. These photons give the atoms a push that, combined with the right magnetic field, is directed towards the centre of the group and keeps the atoms cooled and trapped. […]
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