Scientists from the Institute of Science about the light of Max Planck (MPL) have made a breakthrough in the development of modern quantum technologies, such as protected quantum communication and quantum calculations. Quantum entanglement, a key requirement for these technologies, has been achieved through a new method of confusing photons with acoustic phonons. This technology has shown high stability to external noise, addressing a significant challenge faced by most quantum technologies.
Quantum confusion is a phenomenon where the state of one particle instantly affects the condition of another, regardless of distance. This entanglement is crucial for ensuring security in quantum communication and creating powerful quantum computing systems. In the optical domain, nonlinear optical methods are commonly used to confuse photons, enabling the rapid transmission of quantum information.
The team of scientists from MPL has developed an approach to create confusion between photons and phonons using a mechanism called Brownian scatter. This method is not only resistant to external noise but also suitable for integration into quantum signal processing circuits. Moreover, it can operate at higher temperatures, eliminating the need for expensive cooling equipment typically required for standard quantum technologies.
Unlike photons that move at the speed of light, phonons associated with sound wave vibrations move much slower. In this system, photons and phonons interact through an optical nonlinear effect, allowing for the connection of quanta with different energies. Experiments have demonstrated that this new entanglement scheme can work at temperatures of tens of kelvins, significantly higher than those required for other approaches. The potential implementation of this mechanism in optical fibers or on photon chips makes it a promising technology for future use in quantum technologies.