 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
 by Staff Writers Adelphi MD (SPX) Nov 02, 2018
Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the Joint Quantum Institute have created a pristine quantum light source that has the potential to lead to more secure communications and enhanced sensing capabilities for Soldiers. ARL's Dr. Elizabeth Goldschmidt and JQI's Dr. Sunil Mittal and Prof. Mohammad Hafezi discuss this research in their paper titled "A topological source of quantum light" that is featured in the journal Nature. Photons, the smallest amount of light that exists, are useful when it comes to carrying quantum information, which can be used for encryption to avoid interception from adversaries and enhanced sensitivity to the environment. According to the researchers, one major part of the puzzle is that the photons must be undisturbed and as similar as possible in order for secure communications and Soldier systems to operate at the highest quality. The research team has successfully developed a silicon chip that guides light around the device's edge, where it is protected from disruptions. "Quantum sources, such as the one demonstrated in our research, are an enabling technology for integrated photonics-based scalable quantum networks and quantum information systems that require indistinguishable photons," Goldschmidt said For this experiment, the researchers used silicon to convert infrared laser light into pairs of different-colored single photons. "We injected light into a chip containing an array of miniscule silicon loops, and the light circulates around each loop thousands of times before moving on to a neighboring loop," Goldschmidt said. According to Goldschmidt, the issue with the long journey the light takes, while necessary to get many pairs of single photons out of the silicon chip, is that small differences and defects in the material reduce photon quality. "This is a problem for quantum information applications, as researchers need photons to be truly identical," Goldschmidt said. To solve this issue, the team rearranged the loops in a way that allows the light to travel undisturbed around the edge of the chip, shielding the light from disruptions. "This so-called topological protection uses the geometry of the system, rather than the local material properties, to guide the light," Goldschmidt said. "The relatively new field of topological photonics has focused to date on classical, rather than quantum, light fields and this work takes a step forward by demonstrating generation of quantum light in the topologically protected mode." An added benefit to the silicon chip developed is that it works at room temperature unlike other quantum light sources that must be cooled down, making the process a whole lot simpler. For Goldschmidt, this project opens up a new research chapter for her, and is one that she hopes includes similar collaborative opportunities. "My research interests span many aspects of quantum optics, and this work has allowed me to learn more about the emerging field of topological photonics," Goldschmidt said. "I hope that this paper acts as a foundation for future work at the intersection of quantum optics and topological photonics and I am looking forward to continuing to collaborate with Professor Hafezi." As far as next steps to turn this research into reality, the team has plans to improve this source by using waveguides with less unwanted absorption and will continue to study the quantum properties of their topological photonic system.
ULA contracted by Air Force for Delta IV rocket launch Washington (UPI) Oct 25, 2018 United Launch Services, a part of the United Launch Alliance, has received an award for $152.4 million to provide heavy launch services for the U.S. Air Force. Under the terms of the firm-fixed-price contract, announced Wednesday by the Department of Defense, ULA will support the National Reconnaissance Office Launch Mission One launch of the Delta IV rocket. The launch will occur at either Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida or Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, according to t ... read more
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Google
