(CambridgeIndependent) An important step towards much more powerful and secure computer networks and the quantum internet has been taken.
A two-dimensional material that could be used to store quantum information at room temperature has been identified by researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, working with colleagues from UT Sydney in Australia.
Quantum memory is a key challenge in building the quantum internet, in which photons are used to store and send information.
The researchers have found that hexagonal boron nitride is capable of emitting single photons from atomic-scale defects in its structure at room temperature.
Light emitted from these isolated defects gives information about a quantum property that can be used to store quantum information, known as spin.
The quantum spin can be accessed via light and at room temperature, which means it could support scalable quantum networks built from two-dimensional materials.
More secure global communication technologies will be enabled by the ability to use photons to send messages.
Breakthrough in storage of quantum information taken by University of Cambridge and UT Sydney in Australia
