Modern Alchemy
Through customized light pulses, quantum physicists can change the properties of molecules, atoms or even individual light particles according to their wishes.
Thousands of years ago, alchemists dreamed of turning ordinary metals into gold. You learn at school that their attempts were doomed to fail. Because chemical reactions will never be able to convert one element into another - this requires nuclear physical processes such as those that take place in a particle accelerator.
Nevertheless, the vision of the ancient scholars does not leave researchers completely indifferent. Is it perhaps at least possible to manipulate fabrics to mimic the properties of another material? Some physicists are now chasing this goal. By illuminating conductive solids with lasers, they make them behave like an insulator and vice versa. Such control of quantum systems could lead to novel technologies, such as high-precision sensors that detect the smallest electromagnetic fields. It is also hoped that phenomena such as superconductivity will reveal their final secrets. For their experiments, the scientists only need a handful of particles, powerful lasers – and extremely good control.
But first one must understand both the nature of atoms and that of light in minute detail…
