Researchers from Monash University have developed a breakthrough nanoscale circuit that can generate, direct, and read light-based information, all on a single chip. The new technology, developed by scientists in the Monash School of Physics and Astronomy, was published in the journal Nature Communications on May 25, 2026.
The circuit uses a topological insulator material, bismuth selenide, to create and manipulate light at the nanoscale. This approach allows for the generation of light with specific properties, such as polarization and direction, which are crucial for quantum computing and AI applications.
Lead researcher Dr. Chiara Mariani stated, 'This is the first time we have been able to integrate all these functions on a single chip, which could dramatically reduce the size and power consumption of future quantum and AI systems.' The team demonstrated the circuit's ability to generate entangled photons, a key resource for quantum information processing.
The development could lead to more efficient quantum computers and AI hardware that process information using light instead of electricity, potentially overcoming current limitations in speed and energy efficiency. The researchers are now working on scaling up the technology for practical applications.
