IPB University Research Team Discovers the Phenomenon of Quantum Uncertainty Transition
A research team from the Theoretical Physics Division, Department of Physics at IPB University, has uncovered the phenomenon of uncertainty transition in quantum systems through changes in geometric shape in a double slit experiment.
This finding, published in the international journal Physica Scripta (doi:10.1088/1402-4896/ae8e53)
The research was led by Prof Husin Alatas, a Professor of Theoretical Physics at IPB University, along with Fauzani Muhammad, Hendradi Hardhienata, and Faozan Ahmad. The team examined the double-slit experiment using a different approach, namely by employing two slits that were intentionally made unequal in width, known as an asymmetric double slit setup.
According to Prof Husin Alatas, most research to date has used two slits of the same size. However, when the sizes of the two slits are made different, new behaviors emerge that have not yet been extensively studied.
“We found that simple changes in the width and spacing between the slits can actually alter the level of quantum uncertainty. In other words, the geometry of the device can be utilized as a means to control quantum states,” explained Prof Husin, who also teaches the Advanced Quantum Physics course in the Bachelor of Science in Physics program at IPB University.
He explained that, until now, geometry has been viewed merely as part of the device’s design. However, the research results show that the geometric shape actually influences the fundamental properties of the particles passing through the slits.
This finding, based on a statistical quantum mechanics model developed by Indonesian physicist Agung Budiyono in collaboration with Daniel Rohrlich, expands our understanding of Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, a cornerstone of quantum mechanics for nearly a century.
Prof Husin added that these findings also have the potential to be utilized in various studies of quantum coherence phenomena, which form the primary foundation of today’s quantum 2.0 technologies.
Furthermore, Prof Husin noted that the ability to control quantum coherence states represents a major challenge in the development of various quantum technologies, such as high precision sensing and secure quantum communication.
Until now, controlling such coherence has generally required complex devices. Through this research, device geometry has the potential to serve as a simpler alternative to help regulate the behavior of quantum systems.
“This finding is still at the theoretical stage and therefore needs to be verified through experiments. However, many groundbreaking technologies have emerged from fundamental research like this. Transistors, lasers, and even magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) all originated from a deep understanding of physical concepts,” he said.
He added that basic research plays a key role in fostering scientific and technological self reliance in Indonesia. By strengthening fundamental research, Indonesia has the opportunity to become not only a user but also a developer of quantum technology in the future.
The fact that a team in Bogor was able to predict a previously unreported quantum phenomenon, based on a theoretical model also formulated by an Indonesian physicist shows that Indonesia already possesses the seeds of such mastery. (dr) (IAAS/LAN)
