A very small atom can cast a very large shadow. Well, not
literally, but figuratively. Researchers at Griffith University
have managed to snap the first image of a single atom's shadow
and, while the dark spot may be physically small, the
implications for the field of quantum computing are huge. The
team of scientists blasted a Ytterbium atom suspended in air
with a laser beam. Using a Fresnel lens, they were able to snap
a photograph of the dark spot left in the atom's wake as the
laser passed over it. The practical applications could improve
the efficiency of quantum computers, where light is often used
to transfer information. Since atoms have well understood light
absorption properties, predictions can be made about the depth
of a shadow cast, improving communication between the individual
atoms performing calculations. The research could even be
applied to seemingly mundane and established fields like X-Ray
imaging, by enabling us to find the proper intensity levels to
produce a quality image while minim