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Quantum dynamics of atomic magnets
Author(s) -
Barbara B.,
Giraud R.,
Tkachuk A. M.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
physica status solidi (b)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.51
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1521-3951
pISSN - 0370-1972
DOI - 10.1002/pssb.200304439
Subject(s) - quantum entanglement , quantum tunnelling , qubit , physics , spin (aerodynamics) , total angular momentum quantum number , relaxation (psychology) , angular momentum , quantum , quantum mechanics , condensed matter physics , atomic physics , psychology , social psychology , thermodynamics
After the first evidence for tunneling of the total angular momentum of Ho 3+ in YLiF 4 (insulating), where electronic and nuclear moments tunnel simultaneously (two‐body entanglement), we show that pairs of Ho 3+ ions also tunnel simultaneously (four‐body entanglement). Such co‐tunneling transitions, mediated by weak dipolar interactions, are discussed in terms of a four‐spin representation including the rare‐earth nuclear spin. This study of the entanglement of pairs of distant Ho 3+ ions constitutes a first step to elucidate many‐body quantum‐spin relaxation. Finally, implications on the feasibility of two‐spin qubits are discussed. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)