Light particles, when cooled to very low temperatures and confined in a restricted space, can merge to form a super photon known as Bose-Einstein condensate. This condensate typically appears as a blurry speck of light, but researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered a way to imprint lattice structures onto it using tiny nano molds. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for secure information exchange among multiple participants in the future.
At the Institute of Applied Physics at the University of Bonn, researchers fill a small container with a dye solution and use reflective side walls to create super photons. By exciting dye molecules with a laser, photons are produced and bounce back and forth between the reflective surfaces. Through repeated collisions with the dye molecules, the light particles cool down and eventually condense into a super photon. What sets this process apart is the deliberate addition of small indents to the reflective surfaces, providing more space for the light to collect in them.
The inclusion of small indents on the reflective surfaces allows for the creation of a lattice structure on the condensate. It is akin to pressing a mold downwards into a sandbox and lifting it up to reveal the imprint. This unique lattice structure consists of four regions where the condensate prefers to stay, similar to dividing a bowl of water between four cups in a quadratic form. However, unlike water, the super photon remains as one single condensate when the cups are positioned closely enough together for the light particles to pass quantum mechanically between them.
The property of the super photon to remain as one single condensate when particles can move back and forth between lattice sites opens up possibilities for creating quantum entanglement. Changes in the state of light in one cup will impact the light in other cups, creating a quantum physical correlation between the photons. This correlation is essential for making the exchange of information among several participants secure and tap-proof, especially in scenarios like discussions or secret transactions.
By intentionally altering the form of reflective surfaces, researchers believe that Bose-Einstein condensates can be split between various lattice sites, ranging from 20 to even 30 or more. This advancement could revolutionize communication between numerous participants in discussions, ensuring the confidentiality and security of information exchange. The study conducted at the University of Bonn has demonstrated how emission patterns can be deliberately created for specific applications, opening doors for further exploration in the field of quantum mechanics.
The research conducted on super photons and Bose-Einstein condensates at the University of Bonn showcases the potential for shaping light particles into complex lattice structures that can revolutionize information exchange and quantum entanglement. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for secure communications and paves the way for future advancements in quantum physics.
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