Researchers at Hebrew University, in collaboration with Cornell University, have unveiled a novel method to significantly enhance the coherence of atomic spins, a critical advancement for the stability and precision of quantum memory systems, sensors, and navigation technologies. Published in Physical Review Letters, their work demonstrates a ninefold increase in the spin orientation retention time of cesium atoms.
The challenge of maintaining atomic spin orientation has long plagued quantum systems due to environmental “noise” from collisions and disturbances. Prior solutions were often complex or limited to highly specific conditions, leading to data loss. The Hebrew University team’s innovation addresses this by leveraging laser light to synchronize various spin configurations, fostering cooperative behavior even under high magnetic fields.
According to the researchers, this technique represents a “new chapter in protecting quantum systems from noise,” enabling coherence preservation across a broader range of conditions by harnessing natural atomic motion and light stabilization.
This breakthrough has implications for a variety of atomic spin-dependent technologies including quantum sensors and magnetometers for medical imaging, archaeology, space exploration, and GPS-independent navigation. It could also be used in quantum computers to extend qubit coherence time
This method does not require extreme cooling or intricate field tuning, which could make it significantly more practical for real-world quantum applications. This elegant, light-coordinated solution marks a substantial leap in atomic physics, paving the way for more robust, accurate, and accessible quantum technologies in the near future.
The research paper, Optical Protection of Alkali-Metal Atoms from Spin Relaxation, can be accessed via Physical Review Letters here and also a pre-print of the paper has been posted on arXiv here.
July 18, 2025
