Physicists have found a way to "program" atoms with light without magnetic fields — a breakthrough in quantum communication
A group of researchers from the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University has presented a theoretical model that fundamentally changes the approach to controlling quantum systems. The essence of the development is the use of light for pre-"programming" atoms without applying external magnetic fields. This discovery could become the foundation for a new generation of quantum devices.
The model is based on the concept of optical vortices—laser beams with a spiral wavefront structure. At the center of such a beam, intensity drops to zero, forming a "dark core." The size of this region is determined by the topological charge, which, according to the authors, has no limitations and can take any integer value—both positive and negative. In practice, this means the ability to generate up to 10,000 different states.
From Qubits to Qudits: A New Dimension of Information
The key advantage of the approach is the transition from traditional qubits (two-level systems) to qudits—multi-level units of quantum information. Instead of simply encoding "0" or "1," we obtain a system capable of processing significantly larger amounts of data in a single cycle. This directly impacts the speed and efficiency of quantum computing.
To control vector vortices, the scientists modeled the interaction of the beam with an atomic gas, where atoms have three energy levels. In this model, the prepared medium "inherits" the spatial pattern of light: in some zones, atoms intensively absorb radiation, while in others, they become nearly transparent. A feedback loop emerges—the atomic response restructures the beam itself.
As a result, instead of a simple ring structure, a complex petal-like pattern forms with several bright regions around the center, and the polarization structure also changes. Previously, such control required powerful external magnetic fields and bulky equipment. The new model eliminates this necessity.
Theoretically, the development paves the way for faster quantum processors, highly secure quantum communication networks, and ultra-precise optical sensors. This is not just an evolution—it is a paradigm shift in the field of quantum control.
Analyst's comment: Abandoning magnetic fields is not merely a technical simplification. It removes one of the main barriers to scaling quantum systems. If the model is confirmed experimentally, we will see a sharp leap in the development of quantum communications and sensors in the coming years.