Laser light has successfully been combined with trapped electrons to detect and control the electrons' fragile quantum state without erasing it. This is an important step toward using quantum physics to expand computing power and to communicate over long distances without the possibility of eavesdropping. The research by physicists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, exploits an unusual property of the microscopic quantum world — the ability to combine things that are very different. The investigation was led by David Awschalom, professor of physics, electrical and computer engineering, and director of the university’s Center for Spintronics and Quantum Computation, as well as graduate student Bob Buckley. Using electrons trapped in a single atom-sized defect within a thin crystal of diamond, combined with laser light of precisely the right color, the scientists showed that it was possible to briefly form a mixture of light and matter. After forming this light-matter mixture, they were able to use measurements of the light to determine the state of the electrons. Likewise, by separately examining the electrons, they showed that the electron configuration was not destroyed by the light. Instead, it was modified — a dramatic demonstration of control over quantum states using light. "Manipulating the quantum state of a single electron in a semiconductor without destroying the information represents an extremely exciting scientific development with potential technological impact," said Awschalom. Preserving quantum states is a major obstacle in the nascent field of quantum computing. One benefit of quantum information is that it can never be copied. Unlike information transferred between today's computers, it provides a measure of security that is safeguarded by fundamental laws of nature. The ability to measure a quantum state without destroying it is an important step in the development of technologies that harness the advantages of the quantum world. "Diamond may someday become for a quantum computer what silicon is for digital computers today — the building blocks of logic, memory, and communication. Our experiment provides a new tool to make that happen," said Buckley. For more information, visit: www.awsch-web.physics.ucsb.edu