Quantum light is often unstable. It can flicker like stars or fade out like a weak flashlight.
But new research from the University of Oklahoma has found a way to make it shine steadily for long periods. Scientists have discovered that adding a protective layer to tiny light sources called colloidal quantum dots (QDs) keeps them from blinking or going dark.
This breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, could lead to more affordable and practical quantum technology.
What are quantum dots?
Quantum dots are incredibly small particles—so tiny that if you enlarged one to the size of a baseball, the baseball would be as big as the moon!
These dots are already used in many products, including computer screens, LEDs, solar panels, and medical devices. They are also an important part of quantum computing and communication.
The problem with quantum dots
QDs have a major drawback: they are unstable. Their surfaces can easily develop defects, which cause them to stop working after only 10–20 minutes.
Another issue is that single photon emitters, which are crucial for quantum technology, usually need to be kept at extremely low temperatures—close to -452 degrees Fahrenheit!
This makes them expensive and impractical for everyday use.
The game-changing solution
A research team led by Assistant Professor Yitong Dong at the University of Oklahoma found a simple and affordable fix. They added a layer of crystallized molecules to perovskite QDs.
This protective covering prevents defects and keeps the quantum dots stable. As a result, these dots can now emit light continuously for more than 12 hours without fading or blinking.
“For quantum computing, it’s crucial to control how many photons are emitted at a time,” Dong explained. “But QDs have always been unpredictable. Our new crystal covering solves that problem, and it’s cost-effective and works at room temperature.”
Until now, using quantum dots required complex and expensive setups, making them impractical for many applications. This new discovery changes everything. Perovskite QDs are nearly 100% efficient at normal temperatures, which means they could become a key component in future quantum computing and communication devices.
Dong and his team believe this is just the beginning. “We’ve found a way to make QDs stable using organic and inorganic molecular crystals,” he said. “This opens up endless possibilities for new quantum emitter designs and deeper exploration into the physics of these materials.”
This discovery could make quantum technology more accessible and affordable.
By solving the issue of stability and extreme cooling requirements, these improved quantum dots could lead to major advances in computing, communication, and other fields.
The future of quantum light is looking brighter than ever!
