Honda Research Institute USA Pioneers breakthrough in Quantum Communication with Atomically Thin Nanoribbons
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) have unveiled a novel method for growing atomically thin nanoribbons, a breakthrough that could revolutionize secure quantum communication. These nanoribbons, just one atom thick and tens of atoms wide, are crafted from materials like molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and tungsten diselenide (wse₂). Their unique properties enable them to emit streams of single photons, making them ideal for applications in quantum key distribution (QKD) and advanced optoelectronics.
Published in the journal Nature Communications, this innovation allows for precise control over the nanoribbons’ width and thickness, which is critical for tailoring their electronic properties. “Our technology provides a new pathway for the synthesis of quantum nanoribbons with precise width control, leveraging their unique mechanical and electronic properties as a single photon light source to realize secure communication known as ‘quantum communication’,” explained Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan,senior Chief Scientist at HRI-US and leader of the quantum research team.
The Science Behind Secure Quantum Communication
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Quantum communication relies on the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure unbreakable security. The QKD method, as an example, involves the secure distribution of encryption keys between two parties. Any attempt to intercept the communication disrupts the quantum state of the photons, immediately alerting the users to potential eavesdropping.
Current laser-based photon sources produce photons that are too dense for effective QKD,often interfering with the encoded facts. This creates a pressing need for a single-photon emitter that can generate a controlled stream of individual photons.The nanoribbons developed by HRI-US address this challenge by emitting single photons with remarkable purity—over 95% in recent tests.
Strain-Induced quantum Emission
The key to this innovation lies in the strain-induced electronic structure of the nanoribbons. Dr. Shuang Wu, Senior Scientist at HRI-US, developed a transfer process that places the nanoribbons over the sharp tip of a cone-shaped probe.This localized strain creates a unique electronic structure that,when excited by a laser beam,emits a stream of single photons.
“Our new nanoribbons exhibit remarkable width-dependent and strain-induced electronic properties and quantum emission characteristics, including up to 90% purity of single photons in the stream,” said Harutyunyan. “In subsequent research with collaborators,we were able to further improve the photon purity higher than 95%,making the material highly promising for future applications in quantum communication and quantum optoelectronic devices.”
Collaborative Validation
HRI-US collaborated with leading academic institutions, including Montana State University, Columbia University, and MIT, to validate the nanoribbons’ potential. Researchers such as Professor Nicholas Borys of Montana State and Professor James Schuck of Columbia played pivotal roles in testing the materials as single-photon emitters.
The research also involved contributions from Professor James Hone and dr. Emanuil Yanev of Columbia University, Professor Ju Li and Dr. Qing-Jie Li of MIT, and Dr. Yang Yang of Pennsylvania State University, among others.
Applications and Future Prospects
The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond secure communication. The nanoribbons’ ability to emit single photons with high purity opens doors to advanced quantum optoelectronic devices, including quantum sensors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
| Key Highlights |
|———————|
| Material | Molybdenum disulfide (mos₂), Tungsten diselenide (WSe₂) |
| Photon Purity | Over 95% |
| Applications | Quantum key distribution (QKD), Quantum optoelectronics |
| Collaborators | Montana State University, Columbia University, MIT |
About Honda Research Institute USA
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Silicon Valley, Honda Research Institute USA is dedicated to solving complex problems with direct applications to Honda’s technology roadmap. By fostering strategic partnerships with public and private institutions, HRI-US continues to drive innovation in fields ranging from quantum materials to artificial intelligence.
This breakthrough builds on HRI’s previous research on width-controllable growth of double atomic layer nanoribbons, which was published in Science Advances.
As quantum communication becomes increasingly vital in safeguarding sensitive information, the work of HRI-US and its collaborators marks a significant step forward. To learn more about their groundbreaking research, visit the Honda Research Institute USA website.
The future of secure communication is here, and it’s thinner than ever.
Honda Research Institute USA Pioneers Breakthrough in quantum Interaction with Atomically Thin Nanoribbons
In this exclusive interview, World Today News Senior Editor, Emily Carter, sits down with Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan, Senior Chief Scientist at Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US), to discuss their groundbreaking research on atomically thin nanoribbons and their potential to revolutionize secure quantum communication. This innovation, published in Nature Communications, leverages materials like molybdenum disulfide (MoS) and tungsten diselenide (WSe) to create single-photon emitters critical for applications such as quantum key distribution (QKD) and advanced optoelectronics.
The Science Behind Atomically Thin Nanoribbons
Emily Carter: Dr.Harutyunyan, could you explain the importance of your team’s work on atomically thin nanoribbons and how it differs from previous research in quantum materials?
Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan: Absolutely, Emily. Our research focuses on the controlled growth of nanoribbons that are just one atom thick and tens of atoms wide. What sets this apart is our ability to precisely control the width and thickness of these nanoribbons, which directly influences their electronic properties. This precision allows us to tailor them as single-photon emitters—essential for secure quantum communication. Unlike traditional laser-based photon sources, which produce dense photon streams, our nanoribbons emit individual photons with remarkable purity, making them ideal for applications like QKD.
Quantum Communication and Unbreakable Security
Emily Carter: How does this technology enhance the security of quantum communication, particularly in quantum key distribution?
Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan: Quantum communication relies on the principles of quantum mechanics, specifically the use of photons to transmit encryption keys. The beauty of QKD is that any attempt to intercept the communication alters the quantum state of these photons, immediately alerting the users to potential eavesdropping. Our nanoribbons emit single photons with over 95% purity, which ensures a secure and controlled distribution of encryption keys. This level of precision significantly reduces interference, making the communication process virtually unbreakable.
Strain-Induced Quantum Emission
Emily Carter: Your team discovered that strain plays a crucial role in the quantum emission properties of these nanoribbons. Can you elaborate on this finding?
Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan: Certainly. Strain-induced electronic structure is at the heart of this innovation. By transferring the nanoribbons onto a cone-shaped probe, we create localized strain that alters their electronic properties. When excited by a laser beam, this strain induces the emission of single photons. What’s remarkable is that we achieved up to 90% purity initially, and thru subsequent collaboration with institutions like Montana State University and Columbia University, we’ve improved this purity to over 95%. This makes the nanoribbons highly promising for quantum optoelectronic devices as well.
Collaborative Efforts and Validation
Emily Carter: Collaboration seems to have been key to this project’s success. Could you share more about the partnerships that helped validate this technology?
dr. Avetik Harutyunyan: Collaboration is indeed vital. We worked with leading institutions like Montana State University, Columbia University, and MIT, among others. As a notable example, Professor Nicholas Borys of Montana State and Professor James Schuck of Columbia were instrumental in testing the nanoribbons as single-photon emitters. Their expertise in quantum materials and optoelectronics provided invaluable insights, helping us refine the technology and demonstrate its potential for real-world applications.
Applications Beyond Quantum Communication
Emily Carter: Beyond secure communication, what other applications do you envision for these nanoribbons?
Dr.Avetik Harutyunyan: The possibilities are vast. Their ability to emit single photons with high purity opens doors to advanced quantum optoelectronic devices, such as quantum sensors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Additionally, their unique mechanical and electronic properties could be harnessed for next-generation computing and energy-efficient technologies. This breakthrough represents a foundational step toward a future where quantum materials play a central role in various industries.
Conclusion: A New Era in Quantum Technology
In this insightful conversation with Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan, we’ve explored how Honda Research Institute USA’s pioneering work on atomically thin nanoribbons is transforming the landscape of quantum communication. By enabling the controlled emission of single photons, this innovation not only enhances the security of sensitive details but also paves the way for groundbreaking applications in quantum optoelectronics and beyond. To learn more about this research, visit the Honda Research Institute USA website.
