A groundbreaking development in quantum technology could revolutionize the way secure messages are stored and transmitted. Researchers have discovered that polarised light has the potential to make messages encoded in a quantum hologram disappear, paving the way for advanced methods of data protection.
This innovative approach hinges on the unique properties of quantum light signals, which inherently offer secure information transfer. When intercepted, these fragile quantum states are destroyed, making them ideal for secure communications. A team of scientists from a leading UK university engineered a metasurface to create quantum holograms, eliminating the need for cumbersome devices.
In a typical hologram, complex information can be recovered upon illumination, such as a 2D holographic card revealing a 3D image under the right light angle. In this case, researchers encoded data into the quantum state of a photon. Using a laser, they caused a special crystal to emit two quantum entangled photons. While traveling on separate paths, one photon encountered a metasurface that altered its quantum state, encoding a holographic image.
The second photon passed through a polarised filter, selectively revealing parts of the hologram. Remarkably, since both photons are entangled, the polarization of one photon influenced the outcome of the other, showcasing real-time manipulation of the holographic message. For example, by applying a horizontally polarising filter, researchers successfully erased specific letters from the hologram.
Experts believe that this metasurface technology could be instrumental in encoding intricate data, potentially enhancing quantum cryptography protocols. The research was highlighted at a recent optics conference in San Diego, showcasing the future possibilities of compact quantum technologies.
As the demand for portable quantum solutions grows, the integration of metasurfaces could allow for advanced applications, including the imaging of microscopic biological structures in the medical field, a sector experiencing rapid growth.
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