Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Analytical Instrumentation, Methods & Materials
Analytical Instrumentation Methods Materials
Method of Producing Short-Wavelength Quantum-Entangled Light Beams
WARF: P07323US

Inventors: Mark Saffman, Oo-Kaw Lim

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a new approach to generating quantum-entangled light beams.
Overview
Quantum-entanglement is a phenomenon in which the quantum states of two objects become correlated and remain correlated, even when the objects are physically separated from each other. Quantum-entangled light consists of pairs of photon streams in which measuring either photon stream alters its entangled twin, even if it is hundreds of kilometers away.

High frequency quantum-entangled light can be used in high-resolution microscopy, ellipsometry (an optical technique for studying thin films’ dielectric properties) and other applications. However, current methods of producing quantum-entangled beams require high frequency input light—double or equal to the desired frequency of the entangled light.
The Invention
UW-Madison researchers have developed a new approach to generating quantum-entangled light beams using second harmonic generation to provide entanglement at short wavelengths. The science is in its infancy, but as it develops, entanglement generated at shorter wavelengths may be important for applications in quantum measurements, quantum-enhanced lithography and ultra-secure quantum communication. Entangled light could also lead to more sensitive medical diagnoses, more powerful computer chips and scalable quantum computing.
Applications
  • High resolution microscopy
  • Ultra-secure quantum communication
  • Medical diagnoses
  • Quantum computing
Key Benefits
  • Only known means of producing entangled light of a shorter wavelength than input light
  • Potential for higher-resolution optics due to shorter wavelengths of light
  • Second harmonic generation provides a simplified experimental method of generating quantum-entangled light. 
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Emily Bauer at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9842

WARF