A team of researchers in Florence has developed an innovative nano-oscillator capable of investigating both classical and quantum physical phenomena at the same time. This breakthrough was achieved through a collaboration between the University of Florence, the National Institute of Optics of the CNR (Cnr-Ino), the European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), and the Florence branch of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN). The study was recently published in the scientific journal Optica.
Bridging Classical and Quantum Physics
As matter is studied at increasingly smaller scales, it begins to behave in ways that challenge classical physics, revealing the principles of quantum mechanics. This new experimental system makes it possible to explore both perspectives simultaneously, offering a new way to analyze the transition between the two.
The device is based on optical levitation, a technique that uses laser beams to trap and manipulate microscopic particles. The research team, led by Francesco Marin (University of Florence and Cnr-Ino), used this method to capture and control two tiny glass spheres, making them oscillate in a stable environment. By adjusting the light’s properties, the team was able to observe how the two spheres interacted, providing insights into behaviors that belong both to classical and quantum physics.
A Step Forward for Quantum Research
This study is part of a larger effort to advance quantum science, made possible through funding from two major projects supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Research under the NextGenerationEU program:
- National Quantum Science and Technology Institute (NQSTI) – A research network uniting Italy’s top institutions in quantum science.
- Integrated Infrastructure Initiative in Photonic and Quantum Science (I-PHOQS) – A project connecting leading research centers in photonics, nanotechnology, and quantum technologies.
By developing new tools to explore quantum phenomena, this research strengthens Tuscany’s position in cutting-edge technological innovation and contributes to the future of quantum science.
