Norwegian physicists model dividing a photon with moving mirror

22 Mwezi wa saba, 2026

Imeripotiwa na AI

A new theoretical study shows that abruptly removing a mirror during photon reflection creates multiple photons across a range of frequencies.

Three Norwegian physicists have calculated the outcome of yanking away a mirror while a single photon reflects from it. The sudden change turns the original narrowband photon into a superposition that includes many photons at different frequencies.

The work appears in Physical Review Letters with DOI 10.1103/94pm-hp34. It builds on the idea that a photon is an extended object in time and frequency rather than a point particle.

Performing the experiment would require single-photon sources with narrow bandwidth and materials that switch from reflective to transmissive in roughly 10 femtoseconds. The researchers note that similar mirror-switching techniques already shorten ultrashort laser pulses, but single-photon versions remain to be demonstrated.

They estimate that suitable experiments could become feasible within about a year.

Makala yanayohusiana

Photons multiply infinitely when partially reflected by fast mirror

A new theoretical study shows that attempting to divide a photon with a rapidly moving mirror creates a superposition of infinitely many photons instead of shortening the original particle.

Scientists teleport photon state across 270 meters

1 Mwezi wa tano, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

An international team of researchers has achieved a milestone in quantum communication by teleporting the polarization state of a single photon between two separate quantum dots over a 270-meter open-air link. The experiment, conducted at Sapienza University of Rome, demonstrates the potential for quantum relays in future quantum networks. The findings were published in Nature Communications.

Science

Study explores quantum clocks ticking at multiple speeds

Technology

Researchers design first quantum grandfather clock

Technology

University of Chicago team simplifies creation of entangled quantum states

Physicists create unified model for breathing laser pulses

An international research team has developed a single mathematical framework that explains the unusual rhythmic behavior of breather laser pulses. The breakthrough unites two previously separate regimes of laser dynamics for the first time.

Peking university physicists unveil narwhal waves for light confinement

21 Mwezi wa tano, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers at Peking University have discovered narwhal-shaped wavefunctions that trap light at scales far smaller than previously possible using only dielectric materials. The breakthrough, detailed in a 2025 paper, avoids the energy losses common in metal-based approaches. It opens paths to more efficient photonic devices and advanced imaging.

Jumatatu, 13. Mwezi wa saba 2026, 23:06:44

NTU scientists create optical skyrmions with simple laser method

Jumapili, 12. Mwezi wa saba 2026, 02:21:23

Physicists recreate black hole energy extraction in lab

Ijumaa, 3. Mwezi wa saba 2026, 11:14:11

Los Alamos team reshapes quantum arrow of time

Jumatatu, 29. Mwezi wa sita 2026, 13:42:47

Physicists create fractional Fermi sea with ultracold atoms

Alhamisi, 11. Mwezi wa sita 2026, 14:34:32

Toy universe experiment suggests time emerges from quantum interactions

Ijumaa, 5. Mwezi wa sita 2026, 01:38:49

EPFL scientists shrink ultrafast laser onto photonic chip

Jumapili, 24. Mwezi wa tano 2026, 07:26:49

Scientists observe atoms spinning backward in quantum experiment

Jumamosi, 23. Mwezi wa tano 2026, 08:07:30

Scientists build quantum chip to control photon leaks

Jumapili, 3. Mwezi wa tano 2026, 09:23:39

Physicists uncover tiny flaw in time from quantum collapse models

Jumanne, 28. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 14:34:19