'Quantum superchemistry' observed for the 1st time ever

By Stephanie Pappas published about 9 hours ago

A new type of chemistry performed at very cold temperatures on very small particles enables quick, precise reactions.



Illustration of atomic orb.
Quantum superchemistry has been observed by researchers for the first time. (Image credit: Getty Images)

For the first time, researchers have observed "quantum superchemistry" in the lab.

Long theorized but never before seen, quantum superchemistry is a phenomenon in which atoms or molecules in the same quantum state chemically react more rapidly than do atoms or molecules that are in different quantum states. A quantum state is a set of characteristics of a quantum particle, such as spin (angular momentum) or energy level.

To observe this new super-charged chemistry, researchers had to coax not just atoms, but entire molecules, into the same quantum state. When they did, however, they saw that the chemical reactions occurred collectively, rather than individually. And the more atoms were involved, meaning the greater the density of the atoms, the quicker the chemical reactions went.

"What we saw lined up with the theoretical predictions," Cheng Chin, a professor of physics at the University of Chicago who led the research, said in a statement. "This has been a scientific goal for 20 years, so it's a very exciting era."

More:
https://www.space.com/quantum-superchemistry-observed-for-the-1st-time-ever