Australian scientists have developed an innovative technology that enables quantum information encoded in more practical and reliable light to transform secure communications and quantum computing. The breakthrough, published in a physical review letter on May 6, gracefully addresses ongoing challenges in quantum communications, simplifying how information (tiny particles that make up the light) is processed in photons without sacrificing performance or security.
Solve quantum measurement challenges
Quantum information can be stored in the precise timing of a single photon, called “time key encoding”. However, traditional methods of measuring these precise timing signals require extremely complex and unstable equipment, posing significant obstacles to real-world applications.
A team at the Queensland Institute of Quantum and Advanced Technology (QUATRI) at Griffith University bypassed these challenges using quantum effects called Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference.
“Think of it as an awkward handshake version of the universe,” explained Dr. Simon White, one of the main researchers of the study.
This quantum effect occurs when two identical photons meet on a beam splitter, acting in a way that goes against classical physics, but can be used in practical applications.
From Qudit to Qudit: Expand information capabilities
The technology combines HOM interference with “quantum walk”, a process that describes how a single photon moves on different paths. This combination unlocks access to a high-dimensional quantum signal called Qudits.
Unlike classical bits (0 or 1) or standard qubits (Qudits), Qudits in multiple states can exist simultaneously, greatly improving information capacity and security.
“Phons are the ideal carrier of quantum information, and encoding information in the time of photon arrival is a great way to send quantum messages,” Dr. White said. “We showed how to simplify the measurement of these messages, so the detector does not need to address the individual arrival times; rather than observe interference.”
Excellent accuracy in the laboratory
The experimental results prove the special reliability of this technology:
- More than 99% of quantum state measurements
- Extend beyond two dimensions
- Quantum entanglement successfully generated between different properties of a single photon
- Short separation of time between time boxes
Dr. Emanuele Polino, another leading researcher in the study, emphasized the importance of demonstrating quantum entanglement in his system.
“Entanglement is a key property of quantum mechanics,” said Dr. Polino. “It is important to prove that entanglement exists because it provides insight into how these quantum performances can be used in the future.”
Real-world applications
What makes this development particularly valuable is its potential for implementation. This approach reduces technical complexity and improves the stability of quantum communication systems, two key factors in moving quantum technology out of the laboratory and into daily applications.
Simplified measurement technology can accelerate development in several areas:
“Sending a secure quantum signal is a daunting task, but using time-based Qudits encoding makes the task easier and more robust,” Dr. White said. “By improving the stability, versatility and simplicity of time-key quantum encoding, this breakthrough brings us closer to scalable quantum technologies.”
The technology can become the basis for more powerful quantum computers and advanced quantum sensing devices that cannot communicate.
Growing quantum landscape
This advancement is growing global interest in quantum technology as governments and companies increasingly invest in quantum research and development.
While many quantum innovations are primarily theoretically or limited to laboratory settings, this approach by Griffith University researchers represents practical advances that can help bridge the gap between quantum theory and real-world implementation.
Dr. White concluded: “This work helps us better see the fundamental properties of quantum particles and opens up new possibilities for secure communications, advanced quantum simulations and real-world quantum applications. Honestly, we think this is important.”
As quantum technology continues to mature, breakthroughs in implementation can be simplified while maintaining high performance (such as this goal) may be critical to determining which quantum method ultimately succeeds in the market.
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