New quantum technology combines free electrons and photons

An artistic view of the generation of electron-photon pair states. Ryan Allen / Second Bay Studios - Scientists from EPFL, the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the University of Göttingen have successfully created electron-photon pairs for the first time in a controlled way, using integrated photonic circuits on a chip. Using a new technique, they could precisely detect the involved particles. The findings of the study expand the toolbox of quantum technology. Faster computers, tap-proof communication, sensors beyond standard quantum limit - quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize our lives just as once the invention of computers or the internet. Experts worldwide are trying to implement findings from basic research into quantum technologies. To this end, they sometimes require individual particles, such as photons - the elementary particles of light - with special properties.