Diamond as a Quantum Technology

For a long time, diamonds have been valued as gemstones for their beauty and brilliance. However, with technological advancements, they have found uses beyond mere adornment. At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with Humboldt University in Berlin, a scientific breakthrough has been achieved that may pave the way for developing new quantum technologies based on diamonds.

Diamond as a Source of Quantum Light

Diamonds contain microscopic defects known as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, which play a crucial role in quantum technologies. These defects act as quantum optical switches, emitting individual photons that carry quantum information. The challenge was that most of this light dissipated in all directions, making it difficult to capture and use.

However, the research team overcame this issue by embedding nanodiamonds containing NV centers into hybrid nano-antennas. These antennas are constructed from layers of metals and insulators in a precisely designed bullseye shape, directing the light in a specific direction instead of scattering it.

Directing Light and Enhancing Collection Efficiency

The process of directing light using nano-antennas is a significant achievement in the field of quantum technology. With extremely precise placement, researchers were able to position the nanodiamonds at the center of the antennas with accuracy down to a few billionths of a meter. This high precision allowed for the collection of up to 80% of the emitted photons at room temperature.

This substantial improvement in efficiency compared to previous attempts is an important step towards realizing practical quantum devices. The new capability to collect light more effectively opens doors to applications like secure quantum communications and highly sensitive sensors.

Real-World Applications of Diamond Quantum Technology

Integrating this technology into real-world systems is an exciting prospect. As Dr. Lobotzky explained, the simple design of the new system on a chip allows for easy integration into practical systems. This means it could become part of quantum communication and network systems that require high efficiency and reliability.

Thanks to this advancement, we may witness an acceleration in the development of faster and more reliable quantum networks. These networks could enhance communication security by enabling the transmission of information in a quantum manner that prevents hacking or eavesdropping.

Conclusion

The research conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in collaboration with Humboldt University highlights the potential of diamond as a quantum technology. By improving the ability to efficiently collect quantum light, researchers are one step closer to achieving practical quantum devices that could revolutionize fields such as communication and sensing. This achievement not only reflects engineering prowess but also underscores the new possibilities that diamonds can offer in the advanced technological world.