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Researchers have discovered a way to “translate” quantum information between different kinds of quantum technologies, with significant implications for quantum computing, communication, and networking.

The research was published in the journal Nature on Wednesday. It represents a new way to convert from the format used by quantum computers to the format needed for quantum communication.

Photons—particles of light—are essential for , but different technologies use them at different frequencies. For example, some of the most common technology is based on , such as those used by tech giants Google and IBM; these qubits store quantum information in that move at microwave frequencies.

The researchers observed it stimulated light emission, which Einstein predicted in 1916, in single photons for the first time.

A team of researchers from the University of Basel and the University of Sydney accomplished a groundbreaking feat by demonstrating the capability to manipulate and identify small numbers of interacting packets of light energy or photons with high correlation for the first time.

The achievement, published in Nature Physics, marks a significant milestone in developing quantum technologies. The researchers observed it stimulated light emission, which Einstein predicted in 1916, in single photons for the first time.

A quantum computer in the next decade could crack the encryption our society relies on using Shor’s Algorithm. Head to https://brilliant.org/veritasium to start your free 30-day trial, and the first 200 people get 20% off an annual premium subscription.

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A huge thank you to those who helped us understand this complex field and ensure we told this story accurately — Dr. Lorenz Panny, Prof. Serge Fehr, Dr. Dustin Moody, Prof. Benne de Weger, Prof. Tanja Lange, PhD candidate Jelle Vos, Gorjan Alagic, and Jack Hidary.

A huge thanks to those who helped us with the math behind Shor’s algorithm — Prof. David Elkouss, Javier Pagan Lacambra, Marc Serra Peralta, and Daniel Bedialauneta Rodriguez.

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References:
Joseph, D., et al. (2022). Transitioning organizations to post-quantum cryptography. Nature, 605(7909), 237–243. — https://ve42.co/Joseph2022

Bernstein, D. J., & Lange, T. (2017). Post-quantum cryptography. Nature, 549(7671), 188–194. — https://ve42.co/Bernstein2017

An Insight, An Idea with Sundar Pichai — Quantum Computing, Wold Economic Forum via YouTube — https://ve42.co/QCWEFyt.

An international team of scientists is developing an inkable nanomaterial that they say could one day become a spray-on electronic component for ultra-thin, lightweight and bendable displays and devices.

The material, , could be incorporated into many components of future technologies including mobile phones and computers, thanks to its versatility and recent advances in nanotechnology, according to the team.

RMIT University’s Associate Professor Enrico Della Gaspera and Dr. Joel van Embden led a team of global experts to review production strategies, capabilities and potential applications of zinc oxide nanocrystals in the journal Chemical Reviews.