IPB University Professor of Theoretical Physics Reveals the Potential of Bose-Einstein Condensate as the Fifth Form of Matter
Professor of Theoretical Physics at IPB University, Prof Husin Alatas recently revealed the potential of Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) as a form of the fifth material substance.
He explained that based on their behavior, atoms in the quantum world can be classified based on Fermi-Dirac (fermion) statistics, which are subject to the Pauli prohibition rule, and Bose-Einstein (boson).
One interesting phenomenon related to bosons is BEC, which is referred to as the fifth form of material substance after solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
Prof Husin explained that BEC is a unique phase of matter that appears when bosonic atoms are cooled to near absolute zero ~0°K (Kelvin).
At this temperature, all atoms in the material reach the lowest energy state and undergo a phase transition from classical behavior to macroscopic quantum systems.
“In fact, under certain conditions, fermionic atoms that follow Fermi-Dirac statistics can also form BECs if they pair up in a state known as a Cooper-pair,” he said.
Prof Husin added that the uniqueness of BEC lies in its ability to display quantum properties on a macroscopic scale, which is not seen in the other four forms of matter.
“In this condition, the atoms behave as one uniform quantum entity, thus showing the effect of macroscopic quantum coherence as shown in the symptoms of superfluidity and supersolidity,” he said.
Prof Husin said, one example of BEC material is Helium-4 (He-4) which has spin 0.
When He-4 is cooled to almost 0°K, it undergoes a phase transition into a liquid with superfluid properties, which means it has zero viscosity.
“Rubidium-87 and Lithium-6 atoms, which are also classified as bosonic, have shown similar phenomena when cooled to extreme conditions,” he said.
Prof Husin emphasized that the macroscopic quantum state of BEC has various potential applications in the world of science and technology.
Some of them include the use in quantum computing, where BEC can act as qubits and logic gates for more efficient quantum information processing.
“Not only that, the BEC phenomenon also opens up opportunities for astrophysical research, where the material conditions in Neutron stars and Dwarf stars can be replicated and studied on a laboratory scale,” he said.
Prof Husin revealed that research on BEC in Indonesia is still limited, especially in the experimental and application domains.
This is due to the high cost of experimental devices and the need for cutting-edge technology to handle the extreme conditions required in BEC studies.
“However, some Indonesian physicists have conducted theoretical research on BEC, paving the way for further exploration in the future,” he said. (dr) (IAAS/LAN)
