A group of researchers has effectively adjusted the Rabi oscillations of polaritons, which are quantum hybrid particles, through modifications in their electrical characteristics caused by alterations in the crystal structure. Published in Advanced Science This research shows that the characteristics of quantum particles can be manipulated without relying on intricate external equipment, potentially boosting the viability of real-world quantum technology applications. The project was headed by Professor Chang-Hee Cho from the Department of Physics and Chemistry at DGIST.
Quantum technology facilitates significantly quicker and more accurate data handling compared to traditional electronics, positioning itself as a pivotal element for advancing sectors like quantum computing, communication, and sensing. This technological leap hinges on the capability to precisely create and manage quantum conditions. Notably, current studies have focused intensively on photonic quantum systems, with polaritons playing a crucial role within these innovations.
Polaritons are mixed particle-like entities created by combining photons and excitons. Excitons emerge as a result of how electrons move around. Similar to electrons, these polaritons can move at the speed of light yet still engage with other particles.
Significantly, the Rabi oscillations of polaritons play a crucial role in quantum information processing operations. Precise manipulation of these oscillations is vital for developing functional quantum devices. Nonetheless, effectively regulating the Rabi oscillation frequency had been challenging up to this point.
To address this restriction, the researchers from DGIST concentrated on a specific semiconductor material known as perovskite (MAPbBr). 3 Just like water can change from liquid to solid or gas based on temperature, this material has a phase transition characteristic, which means its crystalline structure can alter according to external conditions.
Specifically, during some structural stages, this material displays spontaneous polarization in the absence of an external electric field—an effect referred to as ferroelectricity. Such distinct electrical behavior has the potential to modify the properties of excitons, subsequently affecting the quantum traits of polaritons.
The research group developed a microcavity configuration utilizing perovskite and empirically proved that alterations caused by phase transitions affect the oscillation of polaritons (specifically Rabi oscillation). Their findings indicated that managing the crystal phase enabled tuning the frequency of polariton oscillations by approximately 20%, with the oscillator strength—indicating the interaction strength between light and matter—changing by up to 44%. Importantly, they pinpointed ferroelectricity, evident in the lopsided crystal architecture, as the critical element responsible for these modifications.
The control technology based on ferroelectrics introduced in this research offers a novel method for boosting the adaptability and accuracy in designing quantum devices with polaritons. Specifically, it can play a crucial role in augmenting the operational velocity and robustness of numerous quantum information technologies such as quantum computing, quantum communication, photonic AI processors, and high-speed sensors.
Moreover, because the control is accomplished merely by adjusting the crystal structure, this method has significant promise for developing functional and economical quantum devices capable of working at room temperature.
Professor Cho remarked, “The research extends past just producing polaritons; it shows that we can manipulate their strength and characteristics using ferroelectric methods, which is quite applicable. With ongoing advancements in controlling techniques for quantum devices, this could speed up the real-world adoption of different quantum-driven innovations like quantum computers and communication networks.”
The research was headed by Hyeon-Seo Choi, who is pursuing her Ph.D. in the Department of Physics and Chemistry at DGIST and serves as the lead author.
More information: Hyeon-Seo Choi et al., Adjustable Polariton Rabi Oscillations in Phase-Transforming Perovskite Microcavities, Advanced Science (2025). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202417596
Furnished by Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
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