The rotation of the atomic nucleus learned to control using an electric field
The hypothesis put forward by N. Blombergen (1981 Nobel laureate), according to which it is quite permissible to control the nucleus of an atom not only magnetic, but also by an electromagnetic field, was experimentally confirmed in the course of an unsuccessful (but as it turned out to be very successful) experiment.
Thus, a perfect discovery will bring quantum computers and highly sensitive electromagnetic sensors to a new stage of development. This was the statement made by the representatives of the UNSW University, Australia.
What is nuclear magnetic resonance
So, scientists worked with such an effect as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which was theoretically described back in 1938 by I. Rabi, and practically observed in 1946 by F. Bloch and E. Purcell.
The essence of the effect lies in the fact that if you apply a magnetic field to a substance that has nuclei with a nonzero magnetic moment (this means that the electric charge seems to "rotate relative to the nucleus), then the magnetic moments of the nuclei of matter redirected.
And it turns out that such a substance will either absorb resonantly or, on the contrary, emit electromagnetic energy at a fixed frequency.
Yes, this effect has been successfully used for a long time, for example, in such devices as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
But in 1961, Doctor of Science and Professor Blombergen voiced the idea that the rotation of the atom in the nucleus could be controlled by the electromagnetic field.
Let's now find out how the "failed" experiment confirmed the professor's words in practice.
How the experiment proceeded
Initially, the scientific group planned to conduct a series of experiments with nuclear magnetic resonance and for this they built a device, consisting of a single antimony atom and a special antenna, which was responsible for creating a strong magnetic field intended control the atom.
Only at the very beginning of the experiment, due to the fact that the magnetic field was excessively powerful, the antenna simply exploded.
And it would seem that the experiment is unsuccessful and you need to start all over again. Here are just the recording devices recorded resonant radiation.
Only after conducting the most thorough debriefing was it established that after the destruction the antenna began to generate a strong electric field.
This is how the theoretical assumption was confirmed.
Why is this discovery so important and what will it give to the world
To answer this question, you must first explain what is the difference between magnetic and electrical nuclear resonance.
So, as the scientists explained, if you carry out an allegory with billiards, then the explanation will be as follows:
The magnetic field affects a large area and its effect can be represented in such a way that if we wanted to drive the ball (atom) into the pocket, then for this we would have to tilt the entire table.
But nuclear electrical resonance affects the semblance of a cue, that is, an electric charge can be fully focused on an electrode and thereby affect a single atom.
The importance of discovery can hardly be overestimated. Indeed, now new horizons are opening up for scientists in quantum physics, and how many new discoveries this will bring is unknown. Also, using this effect, it will be possible to create even more sensitive sensors of electromagnetic fields.
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