A recent study has unveiled innovative solutions that could lead to an effective system for handling quantum information in a straightforward yet potent manner. Researchers have introduced a method that allows for the manipulation of light’s photonic states in a unique fashion, granting enhanced control over how photons propagate. This enhanced control allows for an increase in both the detection of photon coincidences and the overall efficiency of the system.
The breakthrough made at INRS involves a synthetic photonic lattice that can create and manage quantum states of light, presenting exciting possibilities for various applications, ranging from quantum computing to secure quantum communication protocols.
Led by Professor Roberto Morandotti from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) in collaboration with teams from Germany, Italy, and Japan, the study opens avenues for innovative solutions aimed at establishing a system that can effectively process quantum information.
The findings, recently published in Nature Photonics, introduce a novel method for manipulating photonic states, enhancing control over how photons travel. This new control mechanism contributes to improved detection rates and increases photon coincidences, ultimately boosting system efficacy.
Unexpected Features
At the heart of the research lies the principle of quantum walks. Professor Roberto Morandotti explains, “The advancement in quantum computing over the last two decades has significantly utilized quantum walks, which enhance the speed and complexity of computational algorithms.” His lab operates within the INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre.
Recently, the scientific community has introduced the idea of synthetic photonic networks. “Our work leverages synthetic photonic dimensions to delve into various quantum phenomena at a fundamental level, allowing for the application of these findings in quantum technology,” states Stefania Sciara, a post-doctoral researcher in Morandotti’s group and co-author of the study.
While the capabilities of synthetic lattices had been recognized for simulating certain effects, such as parity-time symmetry and superfluidity of light, the demonstration of one that handles quantum states had not been accomplished until now. “Despite their potential,” she notes, “no synthetic photonic lattice capable of managing quantum states had been shown before.”
This is exactly what Morandotti and his team achieved by discovering a temporal synthetic photonic lattice that can create and manipulate quantum states of light using quantum walks within simple fiber systems.
“Our team has learned how to utilize synthetic photonic lattices for processing quantum information, based on the quantum walks of intertwined high-dimensional photons,” shares Professor Morandotti. “The system is resource-efficient, comprised of fiber devices that align with standard telecom infrastructures.”
A Groundbreaking Technique with Vast Opportunities
This notable advancement paves the way for the application of synthetic photonic lattices, simplified through quantum walks, for quantum information processing.
Roberto Morandotti points out, “Our method is unique for two primary reasons: it facilitates better control over the progression of quantum walks in the temporal domain and enables the simultaneous manipulation of classical and entangled photons. This discovery sets the stage for the development of advanced quantum computing and information protocols using telecom-ready architectures that can integrate with microprocessor chips.”
Numerous branches of foundational physics associated with quantum information processing stand to gain from these researchers’ findings, which include quantum computing, quantum metrology, and secure quantum communications.
Stefania Sciara notes, “Our system is entirely based on fiber-optic devices prevalent in telecom and can easily integrate with existing and forthcoming telecommunications infrastructures. This discovery showcases that high-performance quantum systems can indeed be realized using accessible devices and techniques. It also illustrates the viability of leveraging quantum networks for the secure transmission of personal data.”
