Mara Johnson-Groh

Optical fibers are key to the quantum age lead image

The quantum era is beginning, and the technology has the potential to revolutionize everything from computing to data security and precision measurement. But before quantum networks and quantum computers can achieve their full potential and become commonplace, more work needs to be done to improve, for example, the integration of optical fiber networks, which have the high-bandwidth and low-decoherence attributes needed to capitalize on quantum properties like entanglement.

McGarry et al. analyzed the use of microstructured optical fibers in quantum technologies. These fibers, which can be made with hollow or solid cores, offer a way to achieve seamless low-loss integration between quantum network components and have already demonstrated their usefulness in quantum communications, sensing, and information processing. They have been used as sources, mode converters, and connectors of quantum nodes.

“Future applications of quantum technologies have the potential to transform industries, improve technologies, and deepen our understanding of the universe,” said author Kristina Rusimova. “Our perspective highlights the critical role that light and microstructured optical fibers can play in advancing quantum technologies.”

The authors discussed recent progress in the field as well as provided a summary of remaining challenges and future applications, such as quantum computing, secure quantum communication, sensing & metrology, quantum networks, and quantum simulations. They hope their work can inspire other researchers and guide future research and collaboration.

“Continued research is needed to explore new materials, fabrication techniques, and integration methods to further enhance the performance and compatibility of quantum and optical technologies,” Rusimova said. “Collaboration across disciplines will be key to addressing these complex challenges.”

Source: “Microstructured optical fibres for quantum applications: Perspective,” by Cameron McGarry, Kerrianne Harrington, Alex O. C. Davis, Peter J. Mosley, and Kristina R. Rusimova, APL Quantum (2024). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0211055 .