The first compact on-chip source of quantum squeezed light in the country has been developed by Russian researchers working under Rosatom’s Quantum Project, signifying a major milestone in photonic quantum technology. The achievement positions Russia among the few nations capable of manufacturing integrated squeezed-light sources, a key technology for next-generation quantum sensors and photonic quantum computers.
The work was carried out by research groups at Rosatom’s Quantum Center led by Igor Bilenko and Dmitry Chermoshentsev. The researchers have stated that the new device generates a compact source of squeezed light directly on a chip, which presents opportunities for practical applications in quantum computing, telecommunications, logistics, and medicine.
The first domestic on-chip squeezed light source
The newly developed device represents the first compact domestic source of quantum squeezed light integrated onto a semiconductor chip. It is crucial to miniaturize the technology, as practical quantum systems necessitate components that are energy-efficient, scalable, and stable, as opposed to large laboratory setups.
Only a small number of research institutions and companies worldwide have demonstrated integrated squeezed-light technology to date. Russian scientists have established themselves as one of the leading developers of integrated photonic quantum technologies by effectively developing an indigenous solution.
The research of squeezed light has emerged as one of the most critical areas in contemporary quantum science, according to Dmitry Chermoshentsev, the head of the Rosatom Quantum Technologies research groups and the Quantum Center.
He asserted that Russian researchers have now joined the forefront of global developers and that only a small number of countries have achieved tangible results in the field. The next phase will entail the adaptation of the technology for highly sensitive detectors, such as biological sensing applications, and the development of quantum computing systems that are based on squeezed light.
What is squeezed light?
Squeezed light is a unique quantum state of electromagnetic radiation that is characterized by the redistribution of quantum fluctuations to mitigate unwanted noise in specific measurement parameters. Unlike conventional light, which is limited in its measurement precision by quantum uncertainty, compressed light suppresses noise in one observable while increasing it in another, enabling significantly more precise measurements in the most critical areas.
This property enables measurements beyond what is achievable using classical optical systems. The concept has gained major importance in the field of quantum optics due to the fact that many emerging quantum technologies are dependent upon the reduction of fundamental quantum noise.
Squeezed-light techniques improve measurement accuracy by modulating the quantum properties of photons rather than increasing laser power to improve sensitivity.
Applications in Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensing is one of the most immediate applications of squeezed-light technology.
Increasing optical power can cause damage to delicate biological tissues, which is why medical and biological imaging often faces limitations. Squeezed light provides an alternative method by improving measurement sensitivity without relying only on increased light intensity.
This could facilitate the creation of ultra-sensitive optical sensors that are capable of detecting biological changes that are incredibly minuscule while minimizing exposure to living tissue. Precision laboratory instruments, biological research, and medical diagnostics may all benefit from the implementation of such systems.
This technology will be one of Rosatom’s next development priorities, as the company intends to commence dedicated research into quantum sensors in 2026.
Building Blocks for Quantum Computers with Photonic Technology
Squeezed light is considered one of the primary technologies for photonic quantum computation, in addition to its use in sensing.
Photonic quantum computers, in contrast to superconducting quantum computers, operate by using photons that travel optical circuits to execute calculations. The specialized quantum states necessary for many continuous-variable quantum computing architectures are produced by squeezed-light sources.
These systems are particularly well-suited for the resolution of optimization problems that involve a multitude of variables. These consist of logistics planning, industrial scheduling, transportation networks, telecommunications routing, and supply chain optimization.
Consequently, the integration of a squeezed-light source is a critical enabling technology, rather than a standalone quantum computer. It serves as one of the fundamental components necessary for the development of scalable photonic quantum processors.
Future research at Rosatom will concentrate on the development of comprehensive quantum computing systems that use squeezed-light technology.
Significance of Chip Integration
One of the most significant aspects of the accomplishment is the integration of the squeezed-light source onto a semiconductor.
Traditional laboratory optical systems occupy large optical tables filled with mirrors, lenses, lasers, and alignment equipment. Although these systems are appropriate for research, they are challenging to convert into practical commercial devices.
While simultaneously improving energy efficiency, stability, and manufacturability, photonic circuits significantly reduce the size of systems. Portable quantum sensors, compact communication equipment, and scalable quantum computing hardware can be supported by integrated devices in the future.
Chip-based photonics is widely considered to be one of the most practical routes to the commercialization of quantum technologies, as it allows for the fabrication of multiple optical components on a single integrated platform.
Competition on a global scale
Currently, only a small number of major scientific and industrial organizations worldwide are conducting research on squeezed-light photonics.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the United States is funding research on compact squeezed-light chips for highly sensitive optical sensors. PsiQuantum, a company headquartered in the United States, is currently in the process of creating photonic quantum computing hardware that incorporates integrated optical technologies. This development is partially funded by defense-related programs.
Xanadu, a Canadian corporation, is also a global leader in continuous-variable quantum computing. Its integrated photonic processors produce squeezed-light states that serve as the foundation for photonic quantum bits that are employed in quantum computation.
The EPIQUE project in Europe unites research institutions that are engaged in the development of scalable optical quantum computing platforms that are based on integrated photonic chips.
China is conducting research on topologically protected squeezed-light states within photonic chips, while researchers at the University of Tokyo and NTT in Japan are developing broadband squeezed-light sources for optical quantum processors.
In light of this international context, Rosatom has announced that Russia has become a member of the exclusive group of nations that have successfully implemented practical integrated squeezed-light technology.
A component of the broader quantum program in Russia
The squeezed-light breakthrough is a component of the broader national quantum technology program, which is overseen by Rosatom in Russia.
Russia’s research teams have already developed many quantum processors through the application of various technological methodologies. Seven quantum processors have been developed in the country, five of which were developed within Rosatom-managed projects, according to Rosatom.
As Russia continues to invest in superconducting, ion-based, neutral atom, and photonic technologies, these projects include a variety of quantum computing platforms.
The addition of integrated squeezed-light sources improves the nation’s capabilities in an additional critical area of quantum research, in addition to the current research on quantum computing and communications.
Looking Forward
The successful demonstration of an indigenous compact squeezed-light source marks an important technological milestone rather than the completion of a commercial product.
The integration of these photonic components into comprehensive quantum computing systems, as well as the adaptation of the technology for practical quantum sensors and biological detectors, will be the primary focus of future research. Additionally, additional engineering work will be necessary to improve the scalability, manufacturing processes, and system integration of the system prior to its widespread deployment.
Nevertheless, the accomplishment serves as evidence that Russian researchers have developed a level of domestic expertise in one of the most technically challenging fields of quantum photonics. As the global competition in quantum technologies intensifies, it is anticipated that integrated squeezed-light devices will become more significant in the development of future photonic quantum computing platforms, secure communications, and advanced sensing solutions.