In a groundbreaking development at the University of Colorado Denver, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Aakash Sahai, PhD, is on the verge of providing scientists with new tools that could transform speculative ideas from science fiction into tangible realities.
Imagine harnessing a safe gamma ray laser that could selectively obliterate cancer cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue, or utilizing an advanced tool to investigate Stephen Hawking’s multiverse theory by uncovering the fundamental fabric of the universe.
Sahai’s recent quantum breakthrough has sent waves of excitement throughout the scientific community, with the potential to revolutionize our grasp of physics, chemistry, and medical applications.
His study was recognized by Advanced Quantum Technologies, a leading journal in the fields of quantum science, materials, and technologies, which prominently featured his work on the cover of its June issue.
“It is very exciting because this technology will open up whole new fields of study and have a direct impact on the world,” Sahai remarked.
“In the past, we’ve experienced technological breakthroughs that have propelled us forward, such as the discovery of sub-atomic structures that led to lasers, computer chips, and LEDs.
This innovation, which is also based on material science, aligns with those advances.”
Sahai’s innovative method involves creating extreme electromagnetic fields that have not been possible in laboratory settings until now.
These electromagnetic fields are generated by the vibrations and rapid movements of electrons within materials, which power systems ranging from computer chips to super particle colliders involved in the search for dark matter.
Historically, generating fields intense enough for complex experiments has required enormous, costly facilities like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, spanning 16.7 miles.
The large scale of such colliders not only demands substantial resources but also presents significant safety concerns and expenses.
However, Sahai has engineered a silicon-based, chip-like material capable of withstanding high-energy particle beams while effectively managing energy flow.
This chip allows scientists to access the electromagnetic fields produced by oscillations of the quantum electron gas—all within a compact area no larger than a thumb.
The rapid movement of electrons gives rise to these potent electromagnetic fields.
Utilizing Sahai’s innovative technique, the material successfully manages the heat produced through oscillation, ensuring that the sample remains stable and intact.
This pivotal breakthrough enables scientists to observe phenomena like never before and opens possibilities for condensing miles-long colliders into small-scale chips.
Kalyan Tirumalasetty, a graduate student in Sahai’s lab and collaborator on the project, explained, “Manipulating such high energy flow while preserving the underlying structure of the material is the breakthrough.
This technology can drive real change in the world, improving our understanding of nature and allowing us to positively impact society.”
The development and methodology behind this technology were conceived at CU Denver and later tested at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a prestigious facility managed by Stanford University and financed by the U.S. Department of Energy.
CU Denver has proactively applied for provisional patents for this technology both in the U.S. and internationally.
While it may take years before practical applications materialize, the profound potential to enhance our comprehension of the universe, and thereby improve human lives, propels both Sahai and Tirumalasetty to dedicate countless hours in the lab and at SLAC.
“Gamma ray lasers could become a reality,” Sahai enthused.
“We might achieve imaging at a level that allows scientists and medical professionals to observe not only the nucleus of cells but also the atomic nucleus.
This advancement would enable us to comprehend interactions at the nuclear level, accelerating our understanding of the immense forces at play on such a small scale and leading to improved medical treatments and potential cures.
In the future, we may even be able to utilize gamma ray lasers to manipulate atomic nuclei and eliminate cancer cells at the nano level.”
Additionally, the extreme plasmon technique holds promise for investigating a plethora of theories about the fundamental workings of our universe—from the multiverse hypothesis to the very essence of spacetime itself.
These thrilling possibilities motivate Tirumalasetty, who once considered pursuing a career in physics.
“To explore nature and comprehend its workings at a fundamental level is crucial to me.
However, engineers provide scientists with the tools necessary to achieve greater understanding, which is exhilarating,” he stated.
Looking forward, Sahai and Tirumalasetty plan to return to SLAC this summer to refine their silicon-chip material and laser techniques further.
Unlike cinematic portrayals, the journey toward breakthrough technologies often spans decades.
In fact, some foundational elements that led to this significant milestone originated back in 2018 when Sahai published his initial research concerning antimatter accelerators.
“It will take time, but within my lifetime, achieving these possibilities is highly probable,” Sahai concluded.
Regarding their backgrounds, Aakash Sahai earned his PhD in plasma physics from Duke University along with master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University and in physics from Indiana University, Bloomington.
He is affiliated with the Electromagnetics, Plasmas and Computation Group in CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design and Computing.
Before joining CU Denver in 2018, he worked as a research associate at Imperial College London and held several research and development positions in the private sector.
Sahai has authored over a dozen articles in peer-reviewed journals and is a frequent speaker at events hosted by SLAC, CERN, and the American Physical Society.
Kalyan Tirumalasetty is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in electrical engineering and holds a master’s degree in the same field from CU Denver, following a bachelor of technology degree in electronics and communication engineering from Anurag Engineering College at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University.
During his master’s program, he worked as a research assistant alongside Sahai to develop this innovative technology at SLAC.
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