Research Discovery Light Source Powers Ultra-Secure Quantum Communication with Bright Entangled Photons
Insider Brief
- A global research team has developed a new light source that emits exceptionally bright, entangled photons, crucial for quantum communication.
- The innovative device integrates a quantum dot with a specialized light-trapping cavity, enabling on-demand production of bright, entangled photons.
- This is a significant step towards practical quantum communication networks, offering enhanced secure data transmission.
Quantum communication promises unbreakable encryption by using the unique properties of photons. A collaborative research team from Europe, Asia, and South America has developed a new light source that emits exceptionally bright, entangled photons — key elements in quantum communication.
Entangled photons share an instant, unbreakable connection, making them ideal for secure data transmission. Traditional methods of generating these photons often face limitations, particularly in brightness, which slows down communication.
The new device, detailed in eLight, integrates a quantum dot with a specialized light-trapping cavity and a micromachined platform. This innovative approach allows for precise control over the emitted light, achieving a significant breakthrough: a source that produces bright, entangled photons on demand. This advancement is a crucial step towards practical quantum communication networks, which could revolutionize secure communications in various sectors.
Featured image: a. Schematic of a CBR sample on six-legged piezoelectric substrate mounted on a chip carrier. Dimensions are not to scale. b. Optical microscopy image of a finished sample. A tilted scanning electron microscope image of the centre of a single structure is shown in the inset. c. Reconstructed density matrix of the entangled-photon state emitted by the cavity enhanced quantum dot. Credit: eLight (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s43593–024–00072–8