NIST “Cat States” Animation
by Bill ~ December 28, 2007
A3MG was hired by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a short animation to simulate six entangled ions in simultaneous “cat” states.
NIST researchers have succeeded in coaxing six ions into an unusual quantum “cat” state in which their nuclei are collectively spinning clockwise and counterclockwise at the same time.
Since this concept is difficult to visualize, the animation makes it easier to grasp.
The short animation was created in Lightwave 3D and Motion 2 and exported to a progressive download QuickTime Web movie.
The “cat” state animation was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal on January 6, 2006, Page A9. The animation was called “charming” by science columnist Sharon Begley in her article titled, “The Magical Behavior Of Subatomic Particles Moves Into Real World.”
A3MG has worked with NIST on previous projects including two interactive kiosks installed in NIST’s lobby in Gaithersburg, Maryland.