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Scientists Build New Type of Photon Gun

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)."

3 of 90 comments (clear)

  1. DAMN YOU! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic


    Great. Now 3D-Realms will push back DNF's release to retrofit in this sinister new type of photonics weapon.

  2. That's Nothing to be Proud Of by NeverVotedBush · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I have a photon gun that shoots out lots and lots of photons!

    Just one photon? That's got to be dim as hell.

  3. it's [not] funny, [don't] laugh by fred+fleenblat · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    So far today no joke stories.
    is this supposed to be a reverse-meta-april-fool's joke?
    cause if it is, i'm laughing so hard i pooped my adult diapers.