Overview
Researchers at the McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, are developing a novel quantum photonic-dimer laser that leverages quantum entanglement to enhance laser performance under adverse conditions such as fog, extreme temperatures, and long distances. This work is spearheaded by Associate Professor Jung-Tsung Shen, funded by a $1 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Technology and Mechanism
The quantum photonic-dimer laser operates by binding pairs of photons through quantum entanglement, creating photonic dimers. These dimers exhibit enhanced energy and efficiency, capable of generating powerful and concentrated laser beams. The binding of two photons enables them to protect each other against atmospheric disturbances, preserving phase information crucial for effective communication and imaging.
The two-color photonic technology developed by Shen’s team involves carefully controlled pairs of light particles, resulting in a coherent laser beam comprising two different light wavelengths that contain the same information due to their entangled state. This approach significantly reduces information loss when passing through the atmosphere, even under adverse environmental conditions or over long distances.
Applications
The development of this laser technology holds promise for a variety of applications:
Military Operations: Enhanced performance in satellite communications, targeting technology, and tracking systems like lidar, especially under harsh environmental conditions.
Telecommunications: Potential for more secure and efficient data transmission.
Quantum Computing: Advancements in generating and manipulating quantum states.
Medical Imaging: Improved deep brain imaging capabilities, building on previous research funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Civilian Applications: Potential uses in advanced communication systems, quantum imaging, and other laser-based technologies in extreme environments.
Research Team and Methodology
Shen’s team, including graduate student Qihang Liu and collaborators from Texas A&M University’s Institute for Quantum Science & Engineering, aims to produce different states of two-color dimers at unprecedented rates of 1 million pairs per second. The dual focus of the project encompasses both generating novel quantum photonic states and developing theoretical frameworks and advanced algorithms for efficient detection, potentially revolutionizing quantum imaging and communication.
Future Prospects
The quantum photonic-dimer laser represents a significant advancement in laser technology, with potential impacts extending beyond current applications. The exploitation of quantum entanglement in this context opens up new possibilities for innovation and efficiency in various fields, marking just the beginning of exploring the full capabilities of quantum mechanics in practical applications.
Shen emphasizes that their current project is only a first step, and the full benefits of quantum entanglement for creating breakthrough technologies are just starting to be understood. The potential for future advancements is vast, indicating that this research could lead to significant developments in various domains.
Sources
Quantum physics may help lasers see through fog, aid in communications – The Source – Washington University in St. Louis (wustl.edu)
DARPA’s military-grade ‘quantum laser’ will use entangled photons to outshine conventional laser beams | Live Science
https://thedebrief.org/darpa-funding-military-grade-quantum-laser-prototype/