Bright light guided through an optical fibrer manufactured at the University of Bath (Credit: Cameron McGarry, University of Bath)
BATH, England — In the race towards a quantum future, researchers at the University of Bath have made a significant development that could revolutionize how we transmit data in the quantum age. Their innovation? A new generation of specialty optical fibers designed specifically to meet the unique challenges of quantum communication.
As we stand on the brink of the quantum computing era, promising unparalleled computational power and unbreakable encryption, our current data transmission infrastructure faces a critical limitation. The conventional optical fibers that form the backbone of today’s global internet are simply not up to the task of quantum communication. But fear not – a solution is on the horizon, and it’s thinner than a human hair.
“The conventional optical fibers that are the workhorse of our telecommunications networks of today transmit light at wavelengths that are entirely governed by the losses of silica glass,” says study co-author Dr. Kristina Rusimova, from the Department of Physics at Bath, in a statement. “However, these wavelengths are not compatible with the operational wavelengths of the single-photon sources, qubits, and active optical components, that are required for light-based quantum technologies.”
Enter the microstructured optical fiber. Unlike traditional optical fibers with their solid glass cores, these new fibers feature a complex pattern of air pockets running along their entire length. This seemingly simple change opens up a world of possibilities for controlling and manipulating light in ways crucial for quantum technologies.
Quantum computing necessitates a quantum internet. Scientists believe fiber optics (© Microgen – stock.adobe.com)
One of the most exciting applications of these fibers is in creating the building blocks of a quantum internet. By carefully designing the structure of these fibers, researchers can generate pairs of entangled photons – particles of light that are inextricably linked, no matter how far apart they are. This quantum entanglement is the secret sauce that makes many quantum technologies possible.
“A quantum internet is an essential ingredient in delivering on the vast promises of such emerging quantum technology. Much like the existing internet, a quantum internet will rely on optical fibers to deliver information from node to node,” says Dr. Cameron McGarry, first author of the paper. “These optical fibers are likely to be very different to those that are used currently and will require different supporting technology to be useful.”
But the potential of these fibers goes beyond just transmitting quantum information. They could also play a crucial role in quantum computation itself. Dr. McGarry explains: “The pattern of these air pockets is what allows researchers to manipulate the properties of the light inside the fibre and create entangled pairs of photons, change the colour of photons, or even trap individual atoms inside the fibres.”
This versatility means that microstructured fibers could serve multiple functions in a quantum network. They could act as sources of entangled photons, convert between different wavelengths of light (essential for connecting different types of quantum systems), function as low-loss switches, or even serve as quantum memories.
“It’s the ability of fibers to tightly confine light and transport it over long distances that makes them useful,” says Dr. Alex Davis, an EPSRC Quantum Career Acceleration Fellow at Bath. “As well as generating entangled photons, this allows us to generate more exotic quantum states of light with applications in quantum computing, precision sensing and impregnable message encryption.”
While the full potential of quantum computing has yet to be realized, the development of these specialty fibers represents a significant step forward. They address one of the key challenges in building a practical quantum internet – the need for a suitable medium to transmit quantum information over long distances.
The quantum revolution is coming, and thanks to these innovative optical fibers, we’re one step closer to being ready for it.
Paper Summary
Methodology
The researchers at the University of Bath have developed and studied various types of microstructured optical fibers. These fibers are fabricated with a complex pattern of air holes running through their core, which allows for precise control over the properties of light passing through them. The team has explored how these fibers can be used to generate quantum states of light, perform quantum frequency conversion, and transmit quantum information over long distances.
Results
The study highlights several key capabilities of microstructured optical fibers:
- Generation of entangled photon pairs, which are crucial for many quantum applications.
- Ability to convert between different wavelengths of light, allowing for compatibility between different quantum systems.
- Potential to act as quantum memories by trapping atoms within the fiber structure.
- Capacity to create exotic quantum states of light useful for quantum computing and sensing.
Limitations
While the paper presents many promising applications, there are still challenges to overcome:
- Fabricating long lengths of these specialty fibers with consistent properties is technically challenging.
- Integrating these fibers with existing optical networks and quantum devices may require additional engineering solutions.
- The full potential of these fibers in real-world quantum networks has yet to be demonstrated.
Discussion and Takeaways
The researchers argue that microstructured optical fibers could play a crucial role in the development of quantum technologies, particularly in creating a quantum internet. These fibers offer unique capabilities that are not possible with conventional optical fibers, making them well-suited to the specific needs of quantum communication and computation. The work at the University of Bath is laying the foundation for future quantum networks and may help overcome some of the key challenges in realizing practical quantum technologies.
Funding and Disclosures
The research was conducted at the University of Bath, with funding support from various sources including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Dr. Alex Davis is noted as an EPSRC Quantum Career Acceleration Fellow. The researchers are affiliated with academic institutions, indicating that this is primarily academic research aimed at advancing the fundamental understanding and capabilities of optical fibers for quantum applications.
