Light-matter interactions propel quantum technologies forward

Credit: Ella Maru studio - Physicists at EPFL have found a way to get photons to interact with pairs of atoms for the first time. The breakthrough is important for the field of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED), a cutting-edge field leading the way to quantum technologies. Image: A collection of atom pairs inside an optical cavity formed by a pair of mirrors facing each other. The light trapped between the mirrors turns pairs of atoms into molecules in a coherent way. Credit: Ella Maru studio. There is no doubt that we are moving steadily toward an era of technologies based on quantum physics. But to get there, we first have to master the ability to make light interact with matter - or more technically, photons with atoms.