Scientists at the Max-Planck-Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) have developed an efficient method for entangling photons with acoustic phonons, an essential requirement for emerging quantum technologies like secure quantum communications and quantum computing. Their approach also demonstrates that this entanglement is resistant to external noise, a common challenge for quantum technologies.
Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where particles become interconnected, such that the state of one particle instantly affects the state of the other, even across vast distances. This phenomenon is crucial for many quantum technologies, enabling secure communications and advanced quantum computing.
Photons, as quanta of light, are ideal for transmitting quantum information due to their fast propagation. One established method for achieving entanglement is using nonlinear optics to entangle pairs of photons.
Scientists have addressed the challenge of entangling very different entities, such as traveling sound waves (phonons) and optical photons. They developed an optoacoustic entanglement scheme based on Brillouin scattering. This method is notably resilient, making it suitable for integration into quantum signal processing systems and capable of functioning at high environmental temperatures.
Einstein referred to quantum entanglement as “spooky action at a distance” due to its seemingly mysterious nature. It connects particles so that their states are instantaneously linked, even when separated by vast distances.
This phenomenon has intrigued scientists, as it challenges our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. Quantum entanglement is essential for emerging quantum technologies, particularly in the optical domain. Photon entanglement is crucial for secure quantum communication methods and quantum computing schemes.
Photons, while essential for many quantum applications, are volatile, prompting the search for alternatives in areas like quantum memory and quantum repeater systems. One alternative is the acoustic domain, where quanta can be stored in acoustic waves. Scientists at the Max-Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) have demonstrated an efficient method to entangle photons with acoustic phonons.
The entanglement occurs through the optical nonlinear effect known as Brillouin-Mandelstam scattering, which couples quanta at different energy scales. The researchers showed that this entangling scheme can operate at much higher temperatures (in the tens of Kelvin) than traditional methods, which often require expensive equipment like dilution fridges.
This advancement, combined with the potential for integration into optical fibers or photonic chips, makes this approach highly promising for modern quantum technologies.
Journal Reference:
- Changlong Zhu et al., Optoacoustic Entanglement in a Continuous Brillouin-Active Solid State System, Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.203602