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Quantum researchers able to split one photon into three

Researchers from the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly splitting one photon into three. The achievement uses the spontaneous parametric down-conversion method and creates a non-Gaussian state of light, a critical ingredient for gaining a quantum advantage.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 27, 2020

Invisible X-rays turn blue

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a new reaction system that detects X-rays at the highest sensitivity ever recorded using organic molecules. The system can detect even the faintest X-ray levels considered dangerous, making it safer for workers exposed to radiation.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 7, 2020

Argonne and Washington University scientists unravel mystery of photosynthesis

Researchers at Argonne and Washington University have discovered an engineered version of a protein complex that enables the switch between two possible electron transfer pathways, opening up new opportunities for designing more efficient light-driven biochemical reactions. This breakthrough has significant implications for improving h...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2020

2D materials boost carrier multiplication

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered a carrier multiplication process in 2D semiconductors that could improve the efficiency of solar cells. The phenomenon is more efficient in 2D materials than in bulk semiconductors and has the potential to increase the maximum power conversion efficiency up to 46%

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2019

Ternary acceptor and donor materials increase photon harvesting in organic solar cells

Researchers have developed ternary organic solar cells with non-fullerene electron acceptors or polymer donors, improving spectral response and photon-harvesting capabilities. The addition of these third components enhances energy and charge transfer, leading to increased efficiency and potentially semi-transparent solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 26, 2019

Hot electrons harvested without tricks

Scientists have found a way to harness excess energy from photons that are too energetic for materials to absorb, potentially increasing the efficiency of solar panels. By combining a perovskite with an acceptor material, hot electrons can be readily absorbed, even without slowing down their loss of energy.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 15, 2019

A one-way street for light

Researchers have successfully created a new one-way street for light by cooling photons to a Bose-Einstein condensate. This process causes the light to collect in optical valleys from which it can no longer return, effectively irreversibly dividing the light beam. The findings could be of interest for future quantum communication.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2019

Light in a new light

A team of LSU researchers has successfully demonstrated a method to generate groups of photons with manipulable quantum properties, known as multiphoton states. By subtracting out some photons, they can reshape the form of the wavepacket and artificially increase the number of photons in it.

SourceLouisiana State University·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateSep 27, 2019

Converting absorbed photons into twice as many excitons: Successful high-efficiency energy conversion with organic monolayer on gold nanocluster surface

A research group converts absorbed photons into twice as many excitons with an organic monolayer on a gold nanocluster surface, achieving high-efficiency energy conversion. The researchers also found that the newly formed excitons have a significantly longer lifetime compared to conventional surfaces.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 24, 2019

Entanglement sent over 50 km of optical fiber

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully transferred quantum entanglement between matter and light over 50 kilometers using fiber optic cables. This achievement paves the way for building inter-city quantum networks, which could enable secure communication and distributed sensor networks.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateAug 29, 2019

Spinning lightwaves on a one-way street

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully created a quantum spin wave for light that only flows in one direction. This breakthrough has significant implications for future nanotechnologies, enabling information to be transmitted securely and efficiently.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalNanophotonics·DateAug 19, 2019