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Quantum sensors: Measuring even more precisely

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a programmable quantum sensor that can measure with even greater precision, using tailored entanglement to optimize performance. The sensor autonomously finds its optimal settings through free parameters, promising a significant advantage over classical computers.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Physicists shed light on the darkness

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully manipulated dark states in superconducting circuits using microwave radiation. The team's discovery opens up new possibilities for quantum simulations and information processing, which could have significant implications for fields such as chemistry and materials science.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

Bristol team chase down advantage in quantum race

Researchers at the University of Bristol have reduced simulation time for an optical quantum computer from 600 million years to just a few months, achieving a one-billion-fold speedup. This breakthrough paves the way for future studies on quantum advantage and computational power.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2022

Towards quantum simulation of false vacuum decay

By shaking an optical lattice potential, researchers realized a discontinuous phase transition in a strongly correlated quantum gas, opening the door to quantum simulations of false vacuum decay in the early universe. This work provides a flexible platform for exploring the role of quantum fluctuations in first-order phase transitions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 20, 2022

Atom-optically synthetic gauge fields for a noninteracting Bose gas

Scientists demonstrated experimental realization of an atom-optically synthetic gauge field in a noninteracting Bose gas of Cs atoms. They observed gauge flux-dependent populations and chiral atomic currents, which are significant for understanding gauge fields in synthetic dimensions.

Snapshots from the quantum world

Researchers develop technique to study singlet/triplet ratio of electron pairs in charge-separated states, which could lead to advancements in organic solar cells and qubits. The 'pump-push-pulse' method allows for snapshots of spin state at different times.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 3, 2022

Swinging on the quantum level

Researchers from Münster, Bayreuth, and Berlin have proposed a new way of preparing quantum systems to generate single photon states. The proposed method uses a swing-up process in the quantum system to separate generated photons from exciting laser pulses, which is promising for applications.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPRX Quantum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 21, 2021

A quantum view of ‘combs’ of light

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a miniaturized frequency comb that can generate non-classical light, enabling the study of quantum entanglement and opening up new pathways for quantum computing. The microcomb's precise spacing allows for detailed measurement of its finer features.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 16, 2021

Harvard-led researchers document the presence of quantum spin liquids, a never-before-seen state of matter

Researchers at Harvard have successfully observed quantum spin liquids, a previously unseen state of matter that has been elusive for nearly 50 years. By manipulating ultracold atoms in a programmable quantum simulator, the team was able to create and study this exotic state, which holds promise for advancing quantum technologies.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

A superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication

Researchers have developed a superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication, enabling optimal Bell-state measurement of time-bin encoded qubits. This breakthrough enhances the key rate of secure quantum communication and removes detector side-channel attacks, significantly increasing security.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

0.75 Gbit/s key distribution with mode-shift keying chaos synchronization

Researchers propose a novel key distribution scheme based on mode-shift keying chaos synchronization to overcome limitations of laser transition time, achieving 0.7503 Gbit/s rate with high security. The method uses Fabry-Perot lasers and random drive source to generate chaotic waveforms, which are then quantized to produce random bits.

A 15-user quantum secure direct communication network

A new quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) network has been demonstrated by a team of scientists, enabling 15 users to communicate securely over long distances. The network uses time-energy entanglement and sum-frequency generation (SFG), achieving a fidelity of greater than 95% for entangled states shared between users.

Quantum networks in our future

Researchers propose a time-sensitive network control plane as a key component of quantum networks, enabling real-time control and low costs. Industry applications include cybersecurity through quantum key distribution, but standardization and certification are needed.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAVS Quantum Science·DateAug 31, 2021

Russian physicists mix classical light with half a photon on a qubit

A Russian-U.K. research team has proposed a theoretical description for the new effect of quantum wave mixing involving classical and nonclassical states of microwave radiation. The study builds on earlier experiments on artificial atoms, which serve as qubits for quantum computers and probes fundamental laws of nature.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Say goodbye to your camera bump: uOttawa researchers miniaturize optics by discovering counterpart to lens

Researchers from uOttawa propose a new optical element called spaceplate, which simulates light spreading in a small device, enabling the miniaturization of optical systems. This technology has potential applications in fields like healthcare, where thin cameras or endoscopes could be used to visualize internal organs.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2021

Researchers take quantum encryption out of the lab

A field trial demonstrates a stable and efficient quantum key distribution (QKD) system that can generate quantum-secure cryptographic keys at sustained rates over a standard telecommunications infrastructure. The system, developed by researchers in Italy, is designed to be easy-to-operate and integrate into existing optical networks.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 9, 2021

Parallel universes cross in Flatland

Scientists have discovered a way to modify the energy landscape of 2D materials by arranging them in a 3D configuration, creating parallel worlds with unique properties. This new arrangement, known as a nanomesh, has strong nonlinear optical properties and opens up possibilities for quantum computing and communication applications.

Remote control for quantum emitters

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have created a method to individually address quantum emitters using chirped light pulses, enabling precise control over individual superconducting quantum bits and atoms in various electromagnetic structures. This approach has far-reaching implications for quantum computing and simulation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2021

Investigating optical activity under an external magnetic field

Researchers derived an analytical model of optical activity in black phosphorous under an external magnetic field, discovering tunable phenomena. The findings show optical activity conforming to that previously observed in chiral metamaterials and have applications in polarization optics, stereochemistry, and molecular biology.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 6, 2020

New POP atomic clock design achieves state-of-the-art frequency stability

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a pulsed optically pumped (POP) atomic clock with unprecedented frequency stability of 4.7 × 10−15 at 10^4 seconds. The new design overcomes challenges in temperature control and barometric effects, ensuring accuracy for global navigation and communication services.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateApr 21, 2020