A research group led by Professor Mikio Uezuma of Tokyo Institute of Technology has succeeded in producing an artificial crystal consisting of laser light and ytterbium atoms.It is thought that it will be possible to approach the understanding of the novel properties of solids such as superconductivity.
Since the electrons in a solid are classified into a type called fermions, the phenomenon can be reproduced if particles of the same type can be arranged in a grid pattern.In this research, this was achieved by an artificial crystal in which an atom called ytterbium is placed in an optical lattice created by a laser.Ytterbium can develop its properties as fermions by adjusting the laser used.In addition, atoms move slower than electrons, making it easier to observe phenomena.Furthermore, by changing the shape of the optical lattice, it is possible to design to resemble various substances, which is expected to lead to the elucidation of many phenomena.
In the future, we will continue our research to elucidate the physical phenomena in solids.Of particular interest is the realization of superconductivity at higher temperatures.Superconductivity, which has already been put into practical use in research and medical treatment, needs to be continuously cooled with liquid nitrogen, which is a cause of cost.If the superconducting state can be realized at a higher temperature, it will lead to a reduction in cooling costs and will be used in technologies related to daily life such as transmission networks.It would not be impossible if we could understand the reason why superconductivity, which is still unclear, appears.
