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Nature 457, 35-36 (1 January 2009) | doi:10.1038/457035a; Published online 31 December 2008

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Quantum physics: Squeeze until it hurts

Geoff J. Pryde1

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Quantum systems are uncertain by nature. By 'squeezing' this uncertainty, physicists can make better measurements of quantities such as distance. But overdoing it makes things burst out all over the place.

At the leading edge of experimental science, the latest measurement techniques are promising to provide breakthroughs in our understanding of the Universe. The ever-improving ability to sense small displacements, for example, is at the heart of projects such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO)1, which seeks to observe the faint space-time ripples of distant supernovae.

  1. Geoff J. Pryde is at the Centre for Quantum Dynamics, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia.
    Email: g.pryde@griffith.edu.au

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