News Brief
Indian Scientists Develop Technology To Shape Light At Nanoscale For Future Technologies
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Photo: Digits/IISc)
Scientists at the Benagluru-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a new way to control light at an incredibly small scale, which could lead to big changes in areas like secure communication, data protection, and advanced technology.
This breakthrough combines tiny materials that emit light with specially designed surfaces to create a platform that improves how light behaves.
Why Controlling Light Matters
Controlling light at the level of individual particles, called photons, is essential for technologies like quantum communication and encryption, which are used to send information securely.
To achieve this, scientists need light sources that produce clear, pure light. This new platform can do just that.
How It Works
The platform combines two key components:
Quantum Wells (CQWs): These are ultra-thin materials that emit light efficiently.
Metasurfaces (MSRs): These are specially designed surfaces with tiny holes that can control how light behaves.
When these two are put together, the system dramatically improves the quality of light.
The researchers used materials like Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) and created the MSR on a thin silicon layer with a carefully arranged pattern of holes.
What They Achieved
The researchers found that the platform:
Improved Spectral Purity: The emitted light's spectral line width was reduced by 97 per cent.
Photon Transport: The platform enabled photon transport across the chip for distances up to 1 mm.
“Our work shows how nanoscale materials like CQWs can be seamlessly integrated with photonic structures to achieve exceptional control over light emission and transport, which is critical for the next generation of quantum devices,” said Professor Jaydeep Basu, who led the study.
Why It’s Important
This platform could make technologies like quantum communication more reliable and efficient.
Quantum communication is a way to send information that cannot be intercepted or hacked, which is critical for secure messaging and data sharing.
The findings were published in the journal Advanced Optical Materials.
The team now plans to use this platform to create devices that can produce single particles of light, which are essential for quantum computing and advanced data security.
The Future of Quantum Technology
This development could lead to smaller, more efficient devices for secure communication and advanced sensors, bringing us closer to a future where quantum technology is part of everyday life.
