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Quantum entanglement unravelled in time: Lund study in the international spotlight

Axel Stenquist. Photo: Johan Lindskoug.
Axel Stenquist is the lead author of the scientific article that is now attracting international attention. Photo: Johan Lindskoug.

A new quantum study from Lund University is attracting international attention. PhD student Axel Stenquist, supervised by Associate Professor Marcus Dahlström, has, together with his co-authors, shown how entangled particles interact in ultrafast processes.

“It is very exciting that our research is receiving international recognition. Understanding how quantum entanglement evolves in time is a key piece for the quantum technologies of the future,” says Axel Stenquist.

The work has been published in the internationally recognised journal Reports on Progress in Physics and has also been highlighted on the Physics World website, where the study is featured through a recommended popular science article.

From atom to photon – an entangled journey

Quantum entanglement is one of the most fascinating phenomena in physics. Two particles can become so strongly linked that a change in one directly affects the other, regardless of distance. In the article “Entanglement transfer in a composite electron-ion-photon system”, Axel Stenquist demonstrates how entanglement can be transferred between different particles in ultrafast processes.

The study describes how an intense light pulse can eject an electron from an atom, creating entanglement between the electron and the remaining ion. When the ion later emits a photon to release energy, the entanglement is transferred further. For a very brief period, all three particles – electron, ion, and photon – are entangled simultaneously.

International attention

The fact that even so-called “regular” research articles can now be published in Reports on Progress in Physics is a relatively new and exciting opportunity for researchers, as the journal is renowned for its high scientific impact. The study’s feature on the Physics World website is a clear recognition of its significance.

The popular science summary has been published in the In Press series on Physics World, following the recommendation of the journal’s editor, highlighting that the study was considered of particular interest to a broader international audience.

In addition to Axel Stenquist, the co-authors of the study are Jakob Bruhnke and Marcus Dahlström from Lund University, and Felipe Zapata from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.

Read more:

The article “Entanglement transfer in a composite electron-ion-photon system on the Reports on Progress in Physics website. (external site).

Popular science summary of the article in the In Press series on Physics World. (external site).