Two-dimensional nano-engineered semiconductors represent an innovative solution for generating quantum bits on ultra-compact spatial scales. This finding, just published in Nature Photonics, emerges from a study led by Chiara Trovatello of the Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with an international team that includes Carino Ferrante from CNR-SPIN in L’Aquila, Andrea Marini from the University of L’Aquila and researchers from other prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, the University of Vienna, and the University of Chicago.
Qubits, essential components for quantum computing, cryptography, and spectroscopy, are traditionally produced using millimeter-sized nonlinear crystals. However, this technology limits miniaturization and integration into modern photonic systems. The study proposes an innovative solution, based on transition metal dichalcogenides, two-dimensional materials with exceptional nonlinear optical properties, to overcome these constraints. This breakthrough represents a significant step toward the development of miniaturized and integrated on-chip entangled photon sources, opening new perspectives for advanced quantum technologies.
