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Anomalous weak values via a single photon detection

Researchers demonstrate a novel measurement paradigm dubbed Robust Weak Measurement, measuring an anomalous weak value with a single photon detection event. The team obtains an observable with eigenvalues in the range [-7,7] and reports a weak value of the pre- and postselected system on which a single-click measurement was performed.

Observing quantum coherence from photons scattered in free-space

Scientists have successfully transferred and recovered quantum coherence from photons scattered in free-space for the first time, paving the way for new applications in quantum communication, imaging, and sensing. The novel technique uses custom hardware to maintain coherence even after scattering from a diffuse surface.

CCNY team makes single photon switch advance

The City College of New York team demonstrated the use of Rydberg states to enhance nonlinear optical interactions in solid state systems, creating a chip-scale scalable single photon switch. This breakthrough enables the realization of quantum photonic technologies by amplifying scalability.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2021

A new state of light

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered a new phase transition in an optical Bose-Einstein condensate of light particles. The overdamped phase exhibits unique properties that could be used to transmit quantum-encrypted messages between multiple participants.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2021

String theory solves mystery about how particles behave outside a black hole photon sphere

Researchers have solved a long-standing mystery about how particles behave outside a black hole's photon sphere using string theory. The study finds that string theory resolves singularities caused by tidal effects on nearby strings, supporting the idea of extended objects like strings as degrees of freedom in quantum gravity.

A monumental particle accelerator in the Cygnus Cocoon

The Cygnus Cocoon is found to be the most powerful of our galaxy's known natural particle accelerators, with photons recorded from energies up to one hundred teraelectronvolts. The HAWC observatory detected this phenomenon, suggesting that protons accelerated in stellar winds could be responsible for high-energy gamma photon emission.

Twistoptics--A new way to control optical nonlinearity

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new technique to control optical nonlinearity in 2D materials. The twistoptics approach enables giant nonlinear optical responses in small volumes, leading to compact laser systems and potential applications in quantum computing, spectroscopy,...

Intriguing particles emerge when two photons couple

Scientists at University of Bath found a way to bind two photons together, creating photon-photon polaritons with predicted masses 1,000+ times lighter than electrons. This discovery has potential applications in terabit and quantum optical communication schemes and precision measurements.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMar 2, 2021

Quantum computing: when ignorance is wanted

Researchers have developed a new quantum computation protocol that allows for homomorphic quantum encryption, enabling secure delegation of computations without compromising data privacy. The protocol's security improves with increasing complexity of calculations.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateFeb 18, 2021

LHC/ATLAS: A unique observation of particle pair creation in photon-photon collisions

The ATLAS experiment at the LHC has observed the creation of particle pairs from interacting photons, a unique and rare process. The detection was made possible by the AFP spectrometers, which track protons slightly deflected from the main beam, providing insight into the physics of high-energy collisions.

Mapping out a transient atom

A new experiment provides insights into transient atomic states, enabling better understanding of photocatalysis, elementary steps in photosynthesis and radiation damage. The study uses high-resolution electron spectroscopy to capture a snapshot of the short-lived state produced when X-rays interact with neon atoms.

SourceEuropean XFEL·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 22, 2020

Stevens creates entangled photons 100 times more efficiently than previously possible

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a chip-based photon source that's 100 times more efficient than any previous device, allowing the creation of tens of millions of entangled photon pairs per second. The new source uses nanoscale microcavities to create entangled photons with virtually no waste energy.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 17, 2020

Quantum interference in time

Nicolas Cerf and Michael Jabbour identify a new form of quantum interference that occurs through time, using an optical amplifier to produce identical photons. This phenomenon challenges our classical understanding of space-based interference.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Analysis paves way for more sensitive quantum sensors

Theoretical researchers at the University of Chicago have found a way to make quantum sensors exponentially more sensitive by harnessing a unique physics phenomenon. This breakthrough could lead to improved detection and diagnosis of diseases, prediction of natural disasters, and exploration without digging.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2020

Building a quantum network one node at a time

Scientists at University of Rochester and Cornell University have developed a nanoscale node made of magnetic and semiconducting materials that can interact with other nodes using laser light. The device uses entanglement, a phenomenon in quantum mechanics, to connect quantum nodes across a remote network.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2020