Researchers at NIST have made progress in creating “molecules” of light, a significant step towards building complex structures from photons. While not yet capable of creating lightsabers, the findings could lead to practical applications in modern technologies.
The team, led by NIST physicist Alexey Gorshkov, demonstrated theoretically how to bind two photons a finite distance apart, similar to the arrangement of atoms in a hydrogen molecule. This breakthrough could revolutionize communication technology, high-definition imaging, and computer processing by enabling precise calibration of light sensors and direct photon-based data processing.
The potential benefits include substantial energy savings in data transmission and processing, as well as new insights into the properties of photons. While practical applications remain distant, the research represents a significant advancement in our understanding of light and its potential uses.
Keywords: photons, quantum, binding, entangling
