Phys.org July 23, 2020
Researchers in Canada have developed a new technology that can translate data from microwaves to optical light. It works by introducing a strong interaction between microwave radiation and atomic gas. The microwaves are then modulated with an audio signal, encoding information into the microwave. This modulation is passed through the gas atoms, which are then probed with optical light to encode the signal into the light. The transfer of information from the microwave domain to the optical domain is the key result. The wavelengths of these two carrier signals differ by a factor of 50,000. It is not easy to transduce the signal between these regimes, but the team has demonstrated that it is possible. Many quantum computer technologies work in the microwave regime, while many quantum communications channels, such as fiber and satellite, work with optical light. In the future this platform can be used to transduce quantum signals between these two regimes…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
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