Quantum

Electron spin force moves a macroscopic object

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 27/10/2026, 12:54:25 UTC.

Briefings

Researchers at Japan's Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology successfully moved a 128-milligram diamond sample using only the force from its own electron spins. By polarizing nitrogen-vacancy centers with a 50-milliwatt green laser, the team generated magnetic fluctuations that displaced the macroscopic object by up to 1.5 micrometers in vacuum. This achievement demonstrates that quantum spin forces can produce significant classical responses, potentially enabling future sensors to probe gravity and test quantum mechanics boundaries.

Key points

• A 128-milligram diamond sample containing billions of nitrogen-vacancy centers was moved using only the force from its electron spins.
• The researchers achieved displacements of up to 1.5 micrometers in vacuum using a 50-milliwatt green laser to polarize the NV centers.

Context

This research, led by physicist Jason Twamley at OIST, addresses the challenge of maintaining quantum superpositions in massive objects. Previous attempts to probe gravity often failed due to environmental noise, while levitation in vacuum using conventional methods has been difficult. This breakthrough offers a new pathway to test the quantum-classical boundary.

Limitations

The study is limited to a single diamond sample and does not yet demonstrate sustained macroscopic superpositions of positions. The team acknowledges that achieving the necessary conditions for spatial Schrödinger's cats remains extremely difficult, and the experiment was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting without long-term stability verification.

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