Quantum computers are big, expensive, and often need to operate at temperatures near -459 degrees Fahrenheit, or absolute zero. Now, material scientists at Stanford University are researching a new nanoscale optical device that works at room temperature.
The new device uses twisted light from molybdenum diselenide to entangle photons and electrons, stabilizing quantum states for effective communication. The new device is small, relatively inexpensive, and pragmatic. The team is currently working to refine the device.
Here is how this can help:
- Lead to a new era of low-cost, low-energy quantum.
- Remove the need for super cooling.
- Miniaturize quantum systems for embedding in everyday devices.
The researchers are looking at ways to integrate their device into larger quantum networks. To do this, the field will need new and better light sources, modulators, detectors, interconnects.
Looking to the future, the device could eventually lead to the introduction of quantum technologies in broader applications, potentially reshaping cryptography, advanced sensing, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and other fields.