Scientists develop new way to control quantum light sources

International researchers have developed a new way to control quantum light sources, which is one of the key elements needed before quantum technologies can be used reliably in real-world systems.

The research provides a new control mechanism for tiny quantum light sources, bringing them a step closer to being used in practical quantum technologies such as quantum computing, secure communication and ultra-sensitive sensing, according to a statement from Australia’s University of Technology Sydney (UTS) released on Saturday.

In experiments, researchers shifted the color and wavelength of emitted light by a significant amount. They were also able to repeatedly pick up, twist and restack the layered material, unlike previous experiments using a fixed twist angle, according to the findings published in Science Advances.

The UTS-led international team said the structure of hexagonal boron nitride allows researchers to exploit its “thin, layered, twistable structure” rather than trying to make it behave like traditional solid-state materials such as diamond or silicon carbide.