Researchers at Swansea University have discovered a way to use mirrors to dramatically reduce the quantum noise that disturbs tiny particles—a breakthrough that might seem magical but is rooted in quantum physics.

When scientists measure extremely small objects, such as nanoparticles, they face a difficult challenge: simply observing these particles disturbs them. This happens because photons, particles of light, used for measurement “kick” the tiny particles they hit, an effect known as “backaction.”

In a new study published in Physical Review Research, a team from the university’s Physics Department has revealed a remarkable connection, that this relationship works both ways.