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Physics

Famous quantum experiment could be shrunk to the size of a single atom

A single, extremely cold atom could play the role of two slits in the classic double-slit experiment from quantum physics, something that was previously thought to be impossible

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

20 December 2023

The double-slit experiment shows how light can act as a wave

Timm Weitkamp/Wikimedia, CC by 3.0

The classic double-slit experiment of quantum physics involves shining light through two narrow gaps to show that it can behave as a wave – now it seems the slits can be entirely replaced by a single atom.

The double-slit experiment dates to the 1800s. When light is shined through two adjacent narrow slits and onto a screen, it forms a pattern of stripes. This is the result of light behaving like a wave, with ripples from the two slits both boosting and cancelling each…

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