In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, researchers from the Technical University of Denmark have pushed the boundaries of quantum mechanics by creating photons, or particles of light, that exist in 37 different dimensions. This discovery challenges our understanding of the quantum world and its potential applications.
The team, led by Zhenghao Liu, manipulated photons in a way that required 37 dimensions to describe their state. This is a significant leap from the three spatial dimensions and one time dimension we experience in our everyday lives. The researchers achieved this by precisely controlling the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) paradox using coherent light, which allowed them to manipulate photons in unprecedented ways.
This experiment demonstrates that quantum physics is more nonclassical than previously thought. The study suggests that even 100 years after its discovery, we may only be scratching the surface of quantum mechanics. The potential applications of this discovery are vast, ranging from developing more powerful quantum computers to creating new forms of communication and sensing technologies. The study highlights the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of quantum mechanics and its potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.