Quantum Lights
Wits University Shines Brightly: Developing Quantum Lights for Advanced Imaging and Ultra-Secure Communication
By using the power of light, scientists at Wits University’s Structured Light Laboratory are advancing quantum technologies and secure communication. Under the direction of Distinguished Professor Andrew Forbes from the School of Physics, the state-of-the-art facility combines artificial intelligence, quantum physics, and classical optics.
According to Professor Forbes, a co-recipient of the 2024 Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award, “We work across three main pillars.” These include laser development, where unique lasers are created to meet their needs; Quantum Lights, which focusses on single photons and entangled particles; and classical light, which shapes brilliant laser beams for particular applications.
Revolutionizing Secure Communication
The capabilities of the lab are improving extremely secure and quick communication. Quantum Lights makes sure that data is nearly difficult to intercept, whereas traditional structured light speeds up data transfer. “If you encode your data into quantum states, the known laws of physics would have to be wrong for someone to decode it,” Professor Forbes said, highlighting the inherent security. The group has made great strides, breaking a “catalytical barrier” in 2016 by boosting communication systems’ bandwidth by a factor of 100 and then pushing it to a factor of 1,000.
By integrating these developments, they can make communication systems more secure by utilizing the quantum toolkit and faster by employing many patterns. This year, Wits made a “bold contribution” by breaking the previous record for the highest dimensions and parties involved in secret sharing by developing a novel quantum method. This makes the actual network deployment of quantum communications closer.
Transforming Imaging with Quantum Technology and AI
In addition to improving communication, the team’s efforts are revolutionising imaging, especially in difficult settings. They have created a brand-new quantum camera that can see through materials that scatter light, like tinted glass or living tissue. Reconstructing images that would otherwise be impossible is made possible by passing one photon across the medium and comparing it with another that is picked up by a standard camera.
Additionally, the lab incorporates machine learning techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) into the imaging workflow. These sophisticated cameras have the ability to both take and interpret pictures, and their possible uses include:
- Identifying firearms that are concealed.
- Detecting malignant cells without the need for invasive techniques.
- Automated data interpretation for quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols, which ensure secure encryption keys by utilizing quantum physics.
A Complete Pipeline from Hardware to Understanding
One of their main strengths, according to Professor Forbes, is the thoroughness of their work. He claimed their hardware and software the full pipeline from structured data production to understanding are our strengths. This significantly raises the “dimensionality” of communication channels by carefully adjusting the phase and amplitude of light to produce intricate three-dimensional structures, such as orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams.
Wits University’s “fantastically supportive environment that rewards great science and encourages innovation” is helping to support this groundbreaking research. Additionally, the institution started the WitsQ program, which aims to strategically improve and promote quantum technology. This project seeks to:
- Assemble participants from the specialized field of quantum technology.
- Prioritize business, education, outreach, research, innovation, and ethics.
- In order to create a “quantum workforce” for South Africa, help teach the upcoming generation of researchers and scientists.
The “Century of the Photon” will be ushered in by photonics replacing electronics, according to Professor Forbes, the youngest recipient of the South African Institute of Physics’ (SAIP) Gold Medal. His goal is to establish a quantum photonics “Silicon Valley” in South Africa. The ultimate objective is to bring about a “brilliant new spectrum of light ahead” by innovating, establishing new businesses and sectors, maximizing impact, and converting their efforts into new economies for the nation.
