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Breakthrough in Quantum Communication: Erbium Ions Generate Entangled Photons

3/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by using erbium ions to generate entangled photons in the telecom band, a key step for quantum repeaters. By embedding these ions in a silicon nanocavity, they dramatically boosted emission rates. Remarkably, photons from a single erbium ion stayed entangled even after a 15 km journey, propelling quantum communication into a new era.

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Story summary

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by using erbium ions to generate entangled photons in the telecom band, a key step for quantum repeaters. By embedding these ions in a silicon nanocavity, they dramatically boosted emission rates. Remarkably, photons from a single erbium ion stayed entangled even after a 15 km journey, propelling quantum communication into a new era.