Quantum-optical Devices for Next-gen Information Transfer

Researchers at the University of Szeged (SZTE) are developing novel quantum-optical devices using metamaterials to revolutionise information transfer, the university's communications office said in a press release. The project, led by Dr Mária Csete, is part of an international collaboration.

Current optical and laser technologies face key limitations such as light amplification, control, and detection are restricted by physical constraints. Other challenges include molecular-sized fluorescent light sources critical for quantum applications are either unstable or hard to control for single-photon information encoding, the press release said.

Also, conventional detectors cannot capture the unique properties of single photons and as yet missing components hinder the development of fast, stable, light-based computing systems.

However, metamaterials, which are artificially engineered structures with patterns smaller than the wavelength of light, bend the rules of classical optics. Unlike natural materials, they can exhibit properties like negative refractive indices, enabling unprecedented control over light. Their behaviour can be mathematically modelled or simulated for complex structures, allowing researchers to enhance and combine properties to create entirely new functionalities, as well as manipulate light in ways previously impossible, such as precise control over intensity, spatial distribution, and polarisation.

SZTE team's method uses computer simulations to integrate light sources, detectors, and metamaterials into a single, optimised system, and this approach could lead to faster, more efficient, and reliable quantum information systems.

While the project is fundamental research, its long-term applications could transform daily life by paving the way to unhackable communication as quantum information transfer enables practically eavesdrop-proof data transmission.

It could also lead to advanced diagnostics and environmental sensors, with more precise, miniaturized tools for health care and ecology.