As quantum computers grow more powerful, many current encryption methods could eventually become vulnerable. One promising solution is quantum cryptography, which relies on the laws of physics rather than mathematical complexity to keep data secure. However, making quantum communication practical requires small, dependable devices that can accurately read delicate quantum signals carried by light.
Researchers from the University of Padua, Politecnico di Milano, and the CNR Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies have demonstrated a new approach using an unexpected material: borosilicate glass. Reported in Advanced Photonics, their study describes a high-performance quantum coherent receiver built directly inside glass using femtosecond laser writing. This method delivers low optical loss, stable performance, and compatibility with existing fiber-optic systems, all of which are important for moving quantum technologies beyond lab experiments.
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