Petr Steindl, a doctoral candidate, uses single photons to construct intricate light structures. As a youngster, he needed to concentrate on Czech verse, but settled on quantum material science. “Thinking back, I’m happy I exchanged fields,” he says. On July 5, he will present his theory on quantum optics and quantum spot frameworks.
According to Steindl, “a quantum dot is simply a little island of semiconducting material.” It experiences quantum effects in the same way that an atom does because it is only a few nanometers in size.” The scientist puts this quantum dab in an optical microcavity to more productively control it.
“This cavity is like two mirrors facing each other. Between them, laser light moves back and forth. The quantum spot could do without associating with light, yet the optical depression makes it more probable on the grounds that the laser passes the speck ordinarily.”
“We know that single photons can be used for authentication and security. On a beam splitter, for example, you can broadcast two identical single photons from opposite locations. You know there was an eavesdropper if these photons arrive in a changed condition or not simultaneously.”
Ph.D. candidate Petr Steindl
Using single photons like bricks in a house
Steindl explains, “Using single photons like bricks in a house” This clever device can be used to create single photons. The full laser energizes an electron in the quantum dab from its ground energy state to a higher one. A single photon is released by the quantum dot when it returns to its ground state. This photon is conveniently directed toward the remainder of our setup by the microcavity. However, separating this photon from the laser light presents a challenge. It has a similar frequency as the laser but a marginally unique polarization. You can take advantage of that property to detach the photon. I investigated and improved this method during my Ph.D.
Steindl’s research only began with the discovery of single photons. “It’s kind of like a brick when you have high-quality single photons, which are light particles.” You can begin building a house with bricks. My objective was to combine individual photons to create intricate light structures. We made a chain of several entangled photons, for instance. Trapped implies that they are so firmly associated that you can’t portray one photon autonomously from the other any longer. We want to learn more about these new states of light.”
The material science of single photons
Single-photon material science is a generally new field. In the 1970s, physicists were successful in isolating a photon for the first time. Be that as it may, these single-photon sources were not yet exceptionally productive or strong. Controlling the production of a single photon has become easier thanks to technological advancements like the utilization of quantum dots in optical microcavities.
The photon being ejected with a high velocity, which ensures that it maintains its state better, is yet another advantage of the microcavity. Single photons of high quality are produced as a result, and they are well-suited to the structures Steindl studies.
Benefits of quantum technologies
Steindl says that the goal is eventually to use these novel light structures for quantum communication. We are aware that single photons are useful for authentication and security. A beam splitter, for instance, can send two identical single photons from distinct locations. You know there was an eavesdropper if these photons arrive in an altered state or not simultaneously.
The exploration could likewise prove helpful for building quantum PCs. A quantum gate is an essential component, but making one is difficult. Steindl’s structures will eliminate the need for those.
Steindl states, “Building these light structures is absolutely amazing to me.” It is mind-boggling that this is at all possible. that we have such a deep comprehension of physics. The potential for quantum applications almost seems like a side effect, despite the fact that it is fascinating. Although the transition from literature to quantum was perhaps a significant one, it has been exciting enough to last several years, and I am still enjoying it.
Provided by Leiden University
