Scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have innovated a method for creating circularly polarized singular photons, thus setting the stage for progress in quantum communications and potentially creating a highly secure quantum internet.
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Novel Technique for Quantum Information Transmission
The team at Los Alamos National Laboratory has pioneered a new way to generate a flow of singular photons that are circularly polarized, which is vital for quantum information and communication systems. By utilizing atomically thin materials, they demonstrated that a single-layer semiconductor could emit circularly polarized light without necessitating an external magnetic field. To accomplish this, the researchers exploited nanoscale indentations, marking a significant milestone toward quantum cryptography and secure quantum communications.
Breakthrough in Quantum Light Source Technology
The scientists stacked two distinct atomically thin substances to create a chiral quantum light emitter. This inventive approach yields a flow of singular, circularly polarized photons, essential for numerous applications in quantum information and communications.
Han Htoon, a scientist at the lab, stated, “Our research indicates that a monolayer semiconductor can produce circularly polarized light without the requirement for external magnetic fields. Prior methods required high magnetic fields generated by cumbersome superconducting magnets, or complicated nano-photonics structures. Our proximity-effect strategy benefits from ease of fabrication and dependability.”
The ability to encode information using the polarization state of the photon signifies a critical development toward quantum cryptography and secure communications.
The Role of Nanoindentation in Photon Emission
A paper published in Nature Materials reveals that the team employed atomic force microscopy to create nanoscale indentations on a stack consisting of a monolayer of tungsten diselenide semiconductor atop a thicker layer of nickel phosphorus trisulfide magnetic semiconductor. These indentations serve dual purposes: first, they form a well in the potential energy landscape into which electrons of the tungsten diselenide layer descend, thereby triggering the emission of singular photons. Second, they modify the magnetic attributes of the underlying nickel phosphorus trisulfide, generating a local magnetic moment that circularly polarizes the emitted photons.
For empirical validation, the team conducted high magnetic field optical spectroscopy experiments in collaboration with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory’s Pulsed Field Facility. Further measurements of the localized magnetic fields were undertaken in partnership with the University of Basel in Switzerland. These tests verified the team’s success in developing a new way to control the polarization state of singular photons.
Future Directions in Quantum Encoding
Currently, the researchers are investigating methods to vary the extent of circular polarization of the singular photons by applying electrical or microwave stimuli. This functionality would allow the encoding of quantum information into the photon flow. Coupling this flow into photonic circuits would pave the way for a highly secure quantum internet.
Acknowledgments
The research was funded by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences, QIS Infrastructure Development Program, and the Quantum Science Center supported by the DOE Office of Science.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Quantum Communications
What is the primary focus of the research conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
The research primarily focuses on generating circularly polarized singular photons, which are crucial for the advancement of quantum communications and potentially for the creation of a highly secure quantum internet.
What novel approach have the scientists developed?
The scientists have developed a technique for emitting circularly polarized light from a monolayer semiconductor without requiring an external magnetic field. This was achieved through the use of nanoscale indentations on atomically thin materials.
How does this research contribute to quantum cryptography?
The ability to encode data using the polarization state of singular photons represents a significant development toward quantum cryptography, which promises ultra-secure data transmission.
What materials were used in this research?
The team used a monolayer of tungsten diselenide semiconductor stacked atop a thicker layer of nickel phosphorus trisulfide magnetic semiconductor.
How was the research empirically validated?
High magnetic field optical spectroscopy experiments were performed in collaboration with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory’s Pulsed Field Facility. Additionally, localized magnetic fields were measured in partnership with the University of Basel in Switzerland.
What are the future directions of this research?
The team is exploring ways to modulate the degree of circular polarization of the singular photons by applying electrical or microwave stimuli. This could allow for the encoding of quantum information and lay the groundwork for a highly secure quantum internet.
Who funded this research?
The research was funded by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences, QIS Infrastructure Development Program, and the Quantum Science Center supported by the DOE Office of Science.
More about Quantum Communications
- Los Alamos National Laboratory Official Site
- Nature Materials Journal
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
- U.S. Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences
- Quantum Science Center
- Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
- Quantum Information Science and Technology
- University of Basel Physics Department
6 comments
Encoding quantum info without an external magnetic field? That’s a game changer, people.
Mind-blowing! And here I was thinking we’re years away from quantum internet. Hats off to the researchers.
Sounds cool but how practical is it really? Like how far are we from actually using this tech?
Impressive for sure, but let’s not forget how long it usually takes for lab discoveries to get commercialized. im holding my applause.
Wow, this is groundbreaking stuff. Always been fascinated by quantum tech and this takes it to the next level. Cant wait to see what comes next!
seriously, this is what the future looks like. so excited for a secure quantum internet, it’s about time.