Researchers at Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) have made significant strides in the domain of quantum materials and communication by introducing a novel method for producing ultra-thin “nanoribbons.” These extraordinary materials, which are just one atom thick and can extend across several atoms in width, offer great potential in establishing unbreakable channels for safely transmitting sensitive information.
Precision in Quantum Nanoribbon Production
This groundbreaking research has been published in the esteemed journal Nature Communications and highlights the team’s ability to manipulate the size of transition metal dichalcogenides nanoribbons (NR) with precision.
Such control is essential for advancing their application in complex quantum optoelectronics.
The HRI team has developed a unique technique for crafting quantum nanoribbons, which enables them to fine-tune the width of these structures meticulously.
This control harnesses the unique mechanical and electronic properties of the materials, allowing them to serve as single-photon light emitters—critical components for achieving effective quantum communication.
Advancements in Quantum Key Distribution
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a vital method in secure communications, forming the backbone for safeguarding transmitted information.
By leveraging quantum mechanics, QKD allows two users to share encrypted keys securely, resulting in a shared secret that protects the encryption and decryption of their messages.
Any attempts to intercept this communication trigger immediate detection due to the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, which dictate that interference will disrupt the transmission.
Working alongside universities, the HRI team has successfully encoded information using streams of individual photons—the smallest units of light—emitted from their advanced nanoribbon material.
This process is akin to using binary code in computing, where a sequence of photons represents different pieces of information exchanged between sender and receiver.
The sender transmits a number of single photons, each corresponding to one of two possible quantum states, with the receiver measuring those states to differentiate them.
By evaluating these quantum states, the two parties can securely create a key for their encryption.
Any attempt at eavesdropping will lead to interference, resulting in noticeable errors that alert the sender and receiver.
Future Potential in Quantum Communication
A key aspect of this innovative communication method is the ability to control the flow of single photons.
Traditional laser-based sources generate a density of photons that makes interference-free encoding difficult.
This challenge underscores the need for dedicated single-photon emitters that can produce the precise streams necessary for secure communication.
To achieve this, the research team expertly manufactured single atomic-layer nanoribbons from materials like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2), utilizing transition metal-alloyed nanoparticles as growth catalysts.
They strategically controlled the width of these nanoribbons during their growth, achieving sizes as narrow as 7 nanometers.
The revolutionary one-dimensional nanoribbon material underwent a unique transfer process developed by an HRI scientist, which enabled positioning on the tip of a specialized probe.
This method caused electron structure localization and, under laser excitation, produced a steady stream of single photons.
The results revealed impressive improvements in photon purity, as the new nanoribbons exhibited remarkable width-dependent and strain-induced electronic properties.
The purity of emitted single photons reached as high as 90%, and further investigations hinted at the possibility of exceeding 95%.
This advancement positions the material as a strong contender for future applications in quantum communication and optoelectronics.
Collaboration with prominent scholars such as Professor Nicholas Borys from Montana State University and Professor James Schuck from Columbia University has verified the effectiveness of these nanoribbons as single-photon emitters suited for quantum communication.
This project was a joint effort, drawing together expertise from leading institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Pennsylvania State University, culminating in this exciting leap forward in quantum technology.