Daily Current Affairs : 16-October-2023

Physicists have developed a groundbreaking ‘Quantum Engine’ that harnesses the energy difference between two quantum states of atoms, potentially revolutionizing quantum computing. This innovative engine leverages the distinction between fermions and bosons to achieve remarkable results.

Understanding Fermions and Bosons:
  • Fermions have higher energy levels at low temperatures compared to bosons.
  • Fermions follow Pauli’s Exclusion Principle, preventing two particles from occupying the same energy level.
  • In contrast, bosons are not bound by the Exclusion Principle and can occupy the same lowest energy level at low temperatures, enabling superconductivity.
Pauli or Quantum Engine:

The ‘Pauli or Quantum Engine’ consists of four stages similar to classical engines that convert heat into work:

  1. Compression: Atoms are collected and compressed into a bosonic state.
  2. Increased Magnetic Field: A small increase in the magnetic field’s strength is applied to the atoms.
  3. Transition to Fermionic State: Interactions between atoms and the magnetic field force them into a fermionic state, gradually occupying higher energy levels.
  4. Decompression: The initial compression is eased, and the magnetic field strength is reduced to its original value.
Efficiency of the Quantum Engine:

The Quantum Engine’s efficiency is determined by the energy gain during the third step relative to the energy input in the first step. Currently, it operates at 25% efficiency, but physicists anticipate achieving 50% or higher efficiency in the future.

Applications:

The Quantum Engine opens up exciting possibilities in the realm of quantum computing, including:

  1. Cycling Energy Release: The engine can cyclically release energy as atoms transition between bosonic and fermionic states. This energy can be harnessed for various applications.
  2. Cooling Quantum Computers: It can be employed to cool the particles constituting a quantum computer, ensuring optimal performance.
Quantum Engine:Energizing the Future of Computing: What You Should Know
Courtesy: Physics World

Important Points:

  • Physicists have developed a ‘Quantum Engine’ that exploits the energy difference between quantum states of atoms.
  • The engine converts fermions (higher energy particles at low temperatures) to bosons and back, breaking the boundaries of Pauli’s Exclusion Principle.
  • The engine operates through four stages similar to classical engines: compression, increased magnetic field, transition to fermionic state, and decompression.
  • Fermions adhere to Pauli’s Exclusion Principle, preventing particles from occupying the same energy level, while bosons can occupy the same lowest energy level.
  • The Quantum Engine’s efficiency is currently at 25%, but scientists aim to increase it to 50% or higher in the future.
  • Applications of the Quantum Engine include cyclic energy release and cooling particles in quantum computers.
  • This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize quantum computing technology, making it more efficient and powerful.
Why In News

The innovative ‘Quantum Engine’ revolutionizes scientific exploration by harnessing the power of quantum mechanics, enabling intricate tasks through the precise manipulation of atomic identities. This groundbreaking technology not only flips the identity of atoms but also facilitates unprecedented advancements in fields like computing and materials science, ushering in a new era of limitless possibilities.

MCQs about Quantum Engine

  1. What is the primary principle behind the Quantum Engine’s operation?
    A. Conversion of fermions to bosons and back
    B. Application of high heat energy
    C. Utilization of classical mechanical processes
    D. Manipulation of gravitational forces
    Correct Answer: A. Conversion of fermions to bosons and back
    Explanation: The Quantum Engine operates by converting fermions to bosons and vice versa, allowing atoms to transition between different energy states.
  2. Why do bosons behave differently from fermions at low temperatures?
    A. They have higher energy levels
    B. They are not bound by Pauli’s Exclusion Principle
    C. They cannot occupy the same energy level
    D. They have stronger magnetic properties
    Correct Answer: B. They are not bound by Pauli’s Exclusion Principle
    Explanation: Bosons can occupy the same lowest energy level at low temperatures as they are not bound by Pauli’s Exclusion Principle, unlike fermions.
  3. What determines the efficiency of the Quantum Engine?
    A. Compression of atoms in the first step
    B. Transition to a fermionic state in the third step
    C. Energy gain during the third step relative to the energy input in the first step
    D. Reduction of magnetic field strength
    Correct Answer: C. Energy gain during the third step relative to the energy input in the first step
    Explanation: The efficiency of the Quantum Engine is based on how much more energy is released in the third step relative to the energy added to the system in the first step.
  4. What are the potential applications of the Quantum Engine?
    A. Powering traditional combustion engines
    B. Cyclic energy release and cooling particles in quantum computers
    C. Enhancing solar energy conversion
    D. Generating wind energy
    Correct Answer: B. Cyclic energy release and cooling particles in quantum computers
    Explanation: The Quantum Engine can cyclically release energy as atoms transition between bosonic and fermionic states. It can also be used to cool particles in quantum computers, ensuring optimal performance.

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