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Scientists Build New Type of Photon Gun

Posted by Zonk on from the pew-pew-pew-for-science dept.

KentuckyFC writes "Single photons are surprisingly difficult to generate. But since they are crucial for quantum communication, a number of research groups are working on photon guns that fire single photons on demand. The problem they have come up against is that making the photons identical is proving harder than expected. Now a group in Cambridge, UK, has cracked the problem using a quantum dot on a transistor to emit single photons that are essentially identical. In the process, the group has developed an entirely new technique to trigger photon emission (abstract on the physics arxiv)."

14 of 90 comments (clear)

  1. The key question by dkleinsc · · Score: 4, Funny

    Is it possible to correctly attach this photon gun to a shark's head?

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    1. Re:The key question by mapsjanhere · · Score: 4, Funny

      Since the gun operates at 4 K, you currently have an issue with the shark getting rapidly encased in a growing block of ice. So the shark mounted version will have to wait until someone breeds a low temperature shark.

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  2. The Science of Star Trek by nervouscat · · Score: 2, Funny

    And nobody yet has made a witty remark about photon torpedoes being next?

    1. Re:The Science of Star Trek by Suicidal+Gir · · Score: 5, Funny

      He said witty.

  3. Re:That's Nothing to be Proud Of by ArcherB · · Score: 2, Funny

    I have a photon gun that shoots out lots and lots of photons! You mean a flashlight?
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  4. Poniez outdated? by electrosoccertux · · Score: 3, Funny

    OMGPHOTONS!!!

    ?

  5. Re:Not Possible! by um_atrain · · Score: 4, Funny

    pirated?
    Arr! give me all your photons!

    Sure, placement and receipt are a huge factor, but this is still a huge step forward.

  6. Re:That's Nothing to be Proud Of by E1v!$ · · Score: 2, Funny

    Naw, that's more like a photon sprinkler.

  7. Re:That's Nothing to be Proud Of by sm62704 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well, imagine if it were shooting out REALLY REALLY BIG photons one at a time. Wouldn't that be a photon torpedo?

    "Aye, Cap'n. It was inwented in Russia."

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  8. Re:Not Possible! by pandrijeczko · · Score: 2, Funny
    Photons cannot be replicated, duplicated or pirated

    Jeez! That DRM gets everywhere!

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  9. Re:Photon gun? by 4D6963 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Um, Wal Mart has a good selection of ammo...

    I don't recall seeing any photons there though..

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  10. Heart attack... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I kid you not, I read that as "Scientologists Build New Type of Photon Gun."

    That would be a whole new battle for Anonymous...

  11. Just like Utah? by TooMad · · Score: 2, Funny

    Single photons are a lot like single women in Utah. Most of them are essentially the same and inherently unstable.

  12. Re:That's Nothing to be Proud Of by martinQblank · · Score: 3, Funny

    So, is there a shark-mounted application for this or are these guys just wasting time?