Ytterbium ions found to have long-lived states useful for quantum computing and atomic clocks

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam and the University of New South Wales have resolved a long‑standing question in atomic physics: whether ytterbium ions can occupy certain long‑lived, nearly stable electronic states and, if so, how long these states persist. By employing high‑precision spectroscopy and advanced trapping techniques, the team measured the lifetimes of the targeted states, finding them to be significantly longer than previously anticipated. These results confirm that ytterbium ions can indeed reach the predicted metastable configurations and maintain them for extended periods.

The discovery has immediate implications for emerging quantum technologies. Long‑lived states are essential for storing quantum information in qubits, as they reduce decoherence and improve computational fidelity. Additionally, the precise control of ytterbium’s energy levels could enhance the accuracy of optical atomic clocks, pushing the limits of timekeeping precision. The study demonstrates that ytterbium’s unique electronic structure can be harnessed for practical applications in both quantum computing and high‑precision metrology.