Recent advances in quantum communication technology have led scientists to develop an exceptionally bright light source capable of generating quantum-entangled photons. This innovation holds great promise for the future of secure and fast quantum communication. Published July 24 in the journal eLight, the study reveals how combining existing technologies has led to the creation of a more robust quantum signal source, crucial to building a large and efficient quantum internet.
Combining Technologies for Improved Quantum Signals
In this groundbreaking study, scientists from Europe, Asia and South America combined two key technologies that had previously been tested in isolation. They combined a photon emitter, which generates single photons, with a quantum resonator, a device designed to amplify a quantum signal. This combination results in a newly developed light source with exceptional brightness and quantum properties. In addition, a piezoelectric actuator, which generates electricity when subjected to stress or heat, was used to precisely tune the emitted photons, ensuring maximum entanglement and coherence.
The improved photon emitter produces photon pairs with high entanglement fidelity and extraction efficiency. This means that photons not only retain their quantum signature at a distance, but also have the necessary brightness for practical applications. Achieving high brightness and strong entanglement fidelity at the same time has been a difficult task, because it usually requires different technologies that are difficult to integrate effectively.
Challenges and future directions
Despite this progress, practical implementation of a quantum internet is still a ways off. The technology relies on materials such as gallium arsenide, which poses safety concerns due to its toxic properties. These risks could limit the scalability of the technology, requiring the development of safer alternative materials.
The next phase of the development process will focus on integrating a diode-like structure with a piezoelectric actuator. This addition aims to create an electric field across the quantum dots, counteracting decoherence and further enhancing photon entanglement.
