QSources:    Single Photons

In the realm of quantum mechanics, photons—particles of light—play a pivotal role in the development of advanced communication technologies. Among these, single photons have emerged as a cornerstone for quantum communications, offering unique properties that enable secure and efficient information transfer. Unlike classical light sources that emit many photons simultaneously, single-photon sources produce one photon at a time, allowing for the encoding of information in a fundamentally secure manner.

The significance of single photons in quantum communications lies in their ability to leverage the principles of quantum superposition and entanglement. These phenomena enable the creation of quantum states that can be used for various applications, including quantum key distribution (QKD), which ensures secure communication by allowing two parties to share a secret key that is theoretically immune to eavesdropping. Any attempt to intercept or measure the quantum states would disturb them, alerting the communicating parties to the presence of an intruder.

Moreover, single photons are essential for the development of quantum networks and quantum repeaters, which aim to extend the range of quantum communication beyond the limitations imposed by distance and loss in optical fibers. By utilizing single photons, researchers are exploring new ways to create robust and scalable quantum communication systems that could revolutionize secure data transmission, enhance computational capabilities, and pave the way for the realization of a quantum internet.

Some of the current lines of work: