The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has unveiled a groundbreaking room-temperature single-photon source, a plug-and-play device that operates without cryogenic cooling. This innovation, announced on July 3, 2026, marks a significant advancement in quantum technology, making it more accessible for practical applications in various fields.
Revolutionizing Quantum Communication with Single-Photon Sources
A single-photon source is crucial for photon-based quantum technologies, including quantum communication, sensing, and measurement. In quantum communication, information is encoded on individual photons, which reveal any eavesdropping attempts through detectable changes in their state. Traditional single-photon sources have relied on extreme cryogenic temperatures of approximately -270°C (-454°F), limiting their usability in real-world settings such as hospitals and security facilities.
KRISS has developed a gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor-based single-photon source that operates at room temperature. This compact device, designed to fit into a standard 19-inch rack, can be powered with a regular 220 V supply. The plug-and-play feature allows it to generate single photons without complex optical alignment, facilitating its deployment in various environments.
Innovative Techniques for Photon Emission
The core technology behind this device involves utilizing tiny defects within the gallium nitride semiconductor. When energy is applied to these defects, they emit photons one at a time. However, due to the random scattering of these atomic-scale defects, achieving consistent photon emission has been challenging. KRISS has introduced a deterministic spatial mapping technique that records the emission sites, enabling the device to return to the same point even after being turned off.
