In addition to flows of electrons, researchers are seeking options for the spin of electrons to be used in future information processing. In combination with these characteristics, a considerably larger volume of information can be stored than merely 'zero' and 'one'. Because this is difficult with individual atoms, physicists place 'artificial atoms' into solids. Through his participation, a research team has now has succeeded in an energy-state occupancy readout of those artificial atoms - using common interfaces to classic computers.