Quantum Holograms Unlock Secure Communications and More

In recent years, quantum physics has revolutionised various fields, from computing to cryptography. Now, holography is entering the quantum world, introducing the concept of quantum holograms that not only allow secure communication but could also improve medical imaging.

The principle behind classical optical holography involves recording complex information in light waves, which is then replayed by reconstruction under the right conditions. Quantum holography takes this further by embedding that information into the quantum states of light particles – photons.

Jensen Li and his team at the University of Exeter (UK) have made significant strides in this field. By using a metasurface, a two-dimensional material engineered to have special properties, they were able to encode information into photons that were entangled – a hallmark of quantum mechanics. This innovation opens new possibilities in secure communications because of how quantum states behave.