In the experiments, a tardigrade was placed on top of the capacitive parts of one of the two already coupled transmon qubits. Then, the team entangled the tardigrades with two superconducting transmon qubits and carried out three experiments, each with a different tardigrade. In this state, the tardigrades can be regarded as a purely dielectric element, capable of conducting electric current without resistance. Naturally, a tardigrade springs to mind.Īt temperatures of just slightly above absolute zero and pressures 166,666,666 times lower than the atmosphere’s, three lucky water bears entered cryptobiosis. To entangle a biological system with a quantum system, the researchers needed an organism that is so robust that it can survive the ultra-cold temperatures requisite for a quantum computer. So what was the experiment? Water bears claimed to affect qubits. Many detractors echo the view that the water bear did not achieve true quantum entanglement-only classical interactions existed between the water bear and the qubits. However, this experiment has also precipitated fierce debate over its claims. So if true, this would be the first-ever quantum entanglement involving animals. Previously, only small inanimate objects have been entangled. īut what does it mean to “quantum entangle a water bear”? In simpler terms, it means that whatever happens to the qubits, happens to the water bear, or vice versa. Or according to Einstein: spooky interaction at a distance. In the mind-bending, classical-physics-defying realm of quantum mechanics, entanglement means that two things or systems are linked, or dependent on each other, and will therefore mirror each other no matter where they are. In a paper on ArXiv, yet to be peer-reviewed, a team of quantum physicists claims to have done something near to impossible: quantum entangle a water bear with a pair of quantum bits, or qubits. Schrödinger’s tardigrade? Quantum water bears. Now pair this fascinating creature with one of the most mind-boggling scientific fields- quantum mechanics -and you’d end up with some of the toughest, and maybe some the weirdest experiments ever. Check out this video of a water bear in its mossy habitat. They can be revived by water, which combined with their chubbiness has earned them the cute nickname “water bears”. Under extreme stress, they activate their “ cryptobiosis ” mode, drying themselves up and coating their cells with special proteins and sugars. Wherever they are found-the lofty Himalayas, scorching volcanic mud, crushing depths of the Mariana Trench, chilling in Antarctica, or just hanging out in your backyard pond-tardigrades owe their incredible resilience to their ability to survive without water. Even the vacuum of space is a walk in the park for them. These eight-legged critters are capable of surviving searing temperatures of 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit or 423.15 Kelvin) and freezing conditions of absolute zero. If you’re looking to the animal kingdom for tough customers, you need look no further than tardigrades.
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