Researchers determine photon interference in optical toys using topological wave propagation

The collaboration of the research group of Professor Szameit at the University of Rostock and researchers from the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg has been successful in establishing the interference of two photons in optical toys with the concept of expansion the protected waves. The results of the study are published in Science.

Scientific innovations often arise when combining seemingly unrelated ideas. For example, the contradiction of electricity and magnetism paved the way to Maxwell’s theory of light, which, until now, continues to be improved and expanded with ideas from mechanics quantum.

In a similar way, the research group of professor Alexander Szameit at the Institute of Physics at the University of Rostock investigates the expansion of understanding of the optical drive in front of the topology. This mathematical model was originally developed to classify solid geometries according to their physical properties.

According to Szameit, “On special systems, it is only understood that it follows the international characteristics of the use of the wave.

In 1987, the physicists Hong, Ou and Mandel observed the behavior of photons falling into a window in an experiment that until recently was independent of topology. They discovered that a photon, which interferes with itself because of its behavior as an electromagnetic wave, can also create interference with other light particles.

In addition to the phenomenon as another important part of the quantum light particles, this study of the earth has been confirmed as a special tool for new special technologies, including quantum computers.

In a joint effort with colleagues from the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, the researchers have been able to combine the propagation of light on the surface with the interference of photon pairs. “This result is really important,” said Szameit, who has been looking for such a connection for a long time.

According to Max Ehrhardt, the doctoral candidate and the first author of the work, “Quantum technologies struggle with increasing complexity. Therefore, the topological protection of optical elements is a design tool that is very necessary to ensure efficient operation regardless of the manufacturing process. optical elements.”

This is what doctors call the extraordinary nature of consciousness. “Pairs of photons that see each other see the structure of the wave train as twisting. This is what causes them to interact, as if they are dancing on a twisting dance floor. a couple. So, we have a difference online,” Ehrhardt said.

“We were surprised at how far we could damage our driving system without affecting quantum interference,” said the group’s senior scientist Dr. Matthias Heinrich.

“Our experiments provide many opportunities for the construction of integrated systems for light. The symbiosis with quantum light is only the beginning,” said Szameit.