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ST. LOUIS — Fog, extreme temperatures, and vast distances can dramatically stymie military surveillance and communications. Now, researchers are turning to the enigmatic realm of quantum mechanics for solutions. Jung-Tsung Shen, an associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, is at the forefront of this groundbreaking endeavor, developing a prototype quantum photonic-dimer laser that could potentially revolutionize the way we transmit and receive information.
Imagine a foggy battlefield where visibility is reduced to mere feet. Conventional lasers struggle to penetrate the dense mist, leaving soldiers and equipment vulnerable. However, Shen's quantum photonic-dimer laser, funded by a $1 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), could change the game. By harnessing the power of quantum entanglement, this innovative technology binds two particles of light (photons) of different colors together, creating a concentrated beam of light that can navigate through challenging atmospheric conditions.
To better understand the significance of this breakthrough, let's delve into the world of quantum mechanics. Photons are notoriously difficult to manipulate due to their lack of charge and rapid movement. However, Shen's lab discovered that by “gluing” two photons together using quantum mechanics, they could create a photonic dimer that behaves like a single blue photon. This entanglement between the two photons within the dimer opens up a world of possibilities in communication and imaging.
Think of it like a secret language between two friends. Even if their conversation is intercepted by others, the meaning remains obscured. Similarly, when two photons are entangled, they can protect each other from the damaging effects of the atmosphere, preserving crucial phase information that would otherwise be lost. This property of quantum entanglement allows the two-color dimers to be tailored to specific atmospheric conditions, such as fog, making them highly adaptable.
“Quantum entanglement is a correlation between photons,” Shen says in a media release. “We are trying to exploit the property of entanglement to do something innovative. The entanglement can do many things that we can only dream of — this is just the tip of the iceberg.”
The potential applications of quantum photonic-dimer lasers extend far beyond military surveillance and communication. Shen's previous research, funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, explored the use of this technology for deep brain imaging. By implanting fluorescent molecules in the brain and exciting them with photons, researchers can gather valuable information about the brain's structure. This non-invasive imaging technique could revolutionize our understanding of the brain and pave the way for new treatments for neurological disorders.
As Shen and his team, including graduate student Qihang Liu and collaborators from Texas A&M University's Institute for Quantum Science & Engineering, continue to push the boundaries of quantum technology, they aim to create different states of two-color dimers at an unprecedented rate of one million pairs per second. This achievement could have far-reaching implications for telecommunications, quantum computing, and beyond.
“The unique thing about this project is its dual focus on generating these novel strongly correlated quantum photonic states and developing the theoretical framework and advanced algorithms for their efficient detection, potentially revolutionizing quantum imaging and communication,” Shen says.
The development of quantum photonic-dimer lasers offers a glimpse into a future where communication and imaging are not limited by the constraints of the physical world. Thanks to Shen, the vast iceberg of quantum mechanics holds untold potential, and the journey to uncover its secrets has only just begun.
EdNews Editor-in-Chief Steve Fink contributed to this report.
