The ability of light particles to merge into a “super photon” under specific conditions has been a topic of interest for researchers. At the University of Bonn, scientists have discovered a way to use “tiny nano molds” to affect the structure of Bose-Einstein condensates. By manipulating the speck of light, they were able to create a basic lattice structure consisting of four points of light arranged in a quadratic form. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for secure information exchange among multiple participants. The findings of this study have been detailed in the journal Physical Review Letters.
When a large number of light particles are cooled to extremely low temperatures and confined in a compact space, they undergo a transformation where they become indistinguishable and behave as a single super photon. This phenomenon, known as a Bose-Einstein condensate, typically appears as a blurry speck of light. However, the researchers at the Institute of Applied Physics at the University of Bonn succeeded in imprinting a simple lattice structure onto the condensate. This was achieved by creating super photons in a small container filled with a dye solution with reflective side walls.
The process involves exciting the dye molecules with a laser, causing them to emit photons that bounce between the reflective surfaces of the container. These photons gradually cool down as they interact with the dye molecules until they condense into a super photon. By deliberately adding small indents to the reflective surfaces, the researchers were able to create regions where the light preferentially collects. This imprint on the condensate is akin to pressing a mold into sand and seeing the mold’s impression. The lattice structure formed consists of four points where the condensate is inclined to stay, similar to distributing water between four cups arranged in a square.
Unlike physical substances like water, the super photon does not separate into distinct portions when divided between the lattice sites. If the cups are positioned closely enough to allow quantum mechanical movement of light particles between them, the condensate remains unified. This principle can be utilized to establish quantum entanglement, where changes in the state of light in one cup affect the light in the other cups. This correlation between photons is essential for secure communication among multiple parties, ensuring the confidentiality of discussions or transactions.
By altering the shape of the reflective surfaces, researchers envision the creation of Bose-Einstein condensates split between numerous lattice sites. This capability could revolutionize secure communication networks by enabling tap-proof exchanges among a large number of participants. The study marks a significant step in understanding emission patterns and their tailored applications in various fields. The use of nano molds to influence the behavior of super photons opens up exciting avenues for future research and practical implementations.