Scientists Investigate Quantum Properties of Molecules

A research team led by Markus Arndt at the University of Vienna has investigated the quantum properties of molecules increasing in size, especially their superposition at multiple points in an interferometer. Most molecules disintegrate while the thermal particle beam is being prepared.

To address this problem, the team collaborated with pharmacists from Switzerland and the United States. A team led by Marcel Mayor at the University of Basel and one led by Paul J. Fagan from Central Research and Development of DuPont in Wilmington, helped synthesize large scale molecule complexes, which could withstand the evaporation process. Organic molecules, which were specifically synthesized and comprising complexes of up to 430 atoms were used to reveal the quantum wave quality in volume and size regimes that were till now inaccessible.

The nanoparticles are similar to Insulin molecules. The team also revealed that the fabricated molecules can survive in a superposition of clearly identifiable positions in a state excluded in classical physics. The targeted molecules were shaped like an octopus. The research paper has appeared in Nature Communications.

Source: http://wn.com/University_of_Vienna