Fans of “Star Trek” might know of quantum science as a plot device writers created for the Starship Enterprise, but a recent discovery by OU researchers have moved that science fiction one step closer to science reality.

James Shaffer, associate professor of physics and astronomy, said researchers at Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy recently discovered the existence of Rydberg molecules.

Shaffer said the discovery of these molecules and the study of their properties is an important step toward creating quantum computers.

“[Quantum computers] can explore all the possibilities of certain problems at the same time,” Shaffer said. “That’s a very different way to do computing.”

Donald Booth, physics graduate student, said the U.S. military has a special interest in quantum research, because quantum computers could crack any encryption method currently used for computers.

Jonathan Tallant, physics graduate student and a researcher on the project, said the Department of Defense, the Air Force and the National Science Foundation fund quantum research.

Researchers used lasers to manipulate electrons in a cesium atom, cooling the atoms to extremely low temperatures, Tallant said. They then used electric field plates to rip off the outermost electron, allowing a detector to confirm the existence of a Rydberg molecule.

“One of the good things about being on the cutting edge of physics is you get really expensive toys,” Tallant said.

Shaffer and his team theorized the existence of Rydberg molecules before finding they existed, said Tallant. This was due largely to the use of a computer at OU, which Tallant said is the 91st fastest computer in the world.

“Lots of people in the U.S. [and] lots of people in the world don’t have access to computation schemes like that, and we do,” Tallant said.

While quantum research still has a long way to go, Shaffer said the discovery made at OU will have lasting effects on the science community, physics students, and the world.

“This experiment shows we can do internationally recognized world-class research,” Shaffer said. “It also gives an opportunity for undergraduates to really see top research and to take part in it here.”