LAUSR

Description A silicon atom embedded in diamond can be entangled with a photon Communication networks that use the quantum properties of photons and matter for transferring data are fundamentally more secure than traditional networks. The physical implementation of such a quantum network requires special devices that can convert stored information to a quantum carrier—similar to how a normal computer converts bits on a hard drive to a fiber optic signal (1). To enable this conversion, the device must be able to generate quantum entanglement between the stationary quantum bit and the photon used for data transfer. Once generated, the entangled photon and quantum bit can then be used to perform various tasks, such as to generate and send out an encryption key (2). On page 557 of this issue, Stas et al. (3) present a design for a quantum network interface and storage device, called a quantum network node, by using embedded silicon atoms inside a diamond.