f95toli said:Well, you can "tag" atoms by simply using different isotopes. This is used for example in PET scans (using e.g. oxygen 15, "normal oxygen" being oxygen 16).
At least in principle it should therefore be possible to track a single atom (using e.g. fluoresence, assuming the different isotopes have slightly shifted energy levels) in a gas.
learningphysics said:Thanks f95toli. Is there any technique by which atoms of exactly the same kind can be tracked... not using isotopes...
What I'm getting at is... would it be possible to number the different atoms in a gas... is there perhaps some quantum level property that can be given to one atom that distinguishes it from the rest.
Probably not for very long. Sure, you could prepare one molecule in a certain state different from all the rest, but that state would probably decohere quickly.learningphysics said:Thanks f95toli. Is there any technique by which atoms of exactly the same kind can be tracked... not using isotopes...
What I'm getting at is... would it be possible to number the different atoms in a gas... is there perhaps some quantum level property that can be given to one atom that distinguishes it from the rest.
One of the cornerstones of quantum physics is the wave nature of matter. It explains experimentally observed effects like interference and diffraction, occurring when an object moves from one place to another along several indistinguishable ways simultaneously. The wave nature disappears when the individual ways are distinguishable. In this case, the particle nature of the object becomes visible. To determine the particle nature quantitatively, the way of the object has to be measured. Here, large progress has been made recently with new techniques, enabling one to investigate single moving atoms in a controlled manner.
A single atom can be tracked or tagged in a gas using specialized techniques such as laser spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, and ion trap technology. These techniques allow for precise control and detection of a single atom within a gas sample.
Tracking or tagging a single atom in a gas is important for studying the behavior and properties of individual atoms in a gas sample. This can provide valuable insights into the fundamental laws of physics and aid in the development of new technologies.
The main challenge of tracking or tagging a single atom in a gas is the extremely small size of the atom and the high speed at which it moves. This requires highly sensitive and precise detection methods to accurately track its position and movement.
Yes, tagging a single atom in a gas has practical applications in fields such as quantum computing, atomic clocks, and precision measurements. It also allows for precise control and manipulation of individual atoms, which can be useful in nanotechnology and materials science.
There are no ethical concerns specifically related to tracking or tagging a single atom in a gas. However, the use of this technology should always be in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines, especially when it comes to potential applications in sensitive areas such as surveillance or military operations.