University of Illinois physicists, led by Paul Kwiat, have developed a revolutionary quantum interferometry tool for nanometer-scale measurements, leveraging quantum properties of light.
This innovative approach overcomes limitations of classical and existing quantum measurement technologies by utilizing quantum interference and extreme color entanglement of photons.
The technique allows for high-precision measurements in noisy environments and facilitates quick detection of subtle structural differences in samples.
Classical optical interferometry faces challenges with thin samples and background noise, whereas quantum two-photon interferometry offers enhanced sensitivity.
Quantum interferometry's robustness against background light interference and its high temporal precision enable accurate measurements even in noisy settings.
The team's method uses pairs of narrow-bandwidth entangled photons, known as extreme color entanglement, which accelerates measurement times and enhances resolution.
The technology's non-invasive nature makes it suitable for delicate biological samples, remote sensing applications, and materials research requiring nanoscale characterization.
Integration of this quantum interferometric technique with other modalities could lead to multidimensional sensing platforms, offering insights into material properties and biological processes.
The low light intensity of the method makes it ideal for studying photosensitive organisms and tissues without inducing stress, with potential applications in various fields like neuroimaging and biomechanics.
This breakthrough, supported by U.S. government agencies, showcases how quantum principles can be translated into practical measurement technologies, pushing the boundaries of metrology.