Scientists have successfully achieved the remarkable feat of making light stand still by distorting a special material known as a “photonic crystal”. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new lasers and quantum light sources. By applying a magnetic field to the crystal and distorting it slightly, individual photons of light can be slowed down and even stopped. This phenomenon is similar to how magnets can interfere with the flow of electrons in an electrically conductive material.
The Dutch team who accomplished this achievement are not the only ones to have done so recently. A team from Pennsylvania State University has also published a study on the same effect. Lead author Ewold Verhagen, a physicist at the AMOLF research institute, stated that this principle offers a new approach to slowing down light fields and enhancing their strength. The ability to confine and bring light to a halt on a chip can greatly increase its strength, which is crucial in the development of nanophotonic devices such as efficient lasers and quantum light sources.
Photonic crystals typically consist of a regular, two-dimensional pattern of holes made in a layer of silicon. Light can freely move within these crystals, similar to how electrons move in graphene. By distorting the crystals in the right way, the photons can “lock” in place, creating Landau levels for photons similar to how electrons have specific energies in the presence of a magnetic field. Different deformation patterns in the crystal can create different types of “effective magnetic field” for the material, allowing for the steering of light on a chip.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Nature Photonics, showcasing the potential of this research in enhancing the strength and concentration of light in nanophotonic devices. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of new lasers and quantum light sources that can be utilized in various applications. By exploring and understanding how to manipulate photon movement in photonic crystals, scientists can unlock new ways to control and enhance light on a chip, opening up exciting possibilities in the field of photonics and quantum technology.
Newsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and uncovering connections in the pursuit of common ground. If you have a science story tip or a question about photons, you can contact Newsweek via email at [email protected]. The innovative research on making light stand still in deformed crystals showcases the creativity and ingenuity of scientists in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of photonics. This achievement opens up new avenues for developing advanced technologies that harness the power and properties of light in ways that were previously thought to be impossible.
