Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Ruhr University Bochum have made a significant breakthrough in quantum technology by achieving controlled interaction between two quantum light sources, or quantum emitters, embedded in a nanophotonic waveguide. This development, reported in Science, is a foundational step toward building scalable quantum computers and enhancing quantum communication systems.
In simple terms, quantum emitters are particles that can release light in the form of photons. In this study, researchers managed to create entanglement between these emitters, which allows them to affect each other instantly, regardless of the physical distance between them. This breakthrough makes it possible to control not just one, but two quantum emitters simultaneously. The long-term goal is to use 20-30 such entangled quantum sources to develop powerful quantum computers capable of solving problems far beyond today’s supercomputers.
The challenge had been controlling multiple quantum emitters in a highly precise and quiet environment, but the researchers overcame this by creating nanochips designed to control these emitters in unison. The successful entanglement opens the door to advanced quantum information processing and sets the stage for the development of error-corrected quantum computers.
This achievement is crucial because it takes a big step towards scalable quantum technology. However, more work remains to scale from two emitters to larger networks that could form the core of future quantum computers and communication systems.
For more details, see the paper available here: Collective super- and subradiant dynamics between distant optical quantum emitters.
