A University of Otago physicist and a member of an international team are reported to have developed a robust quantum "memory" for light in the world. The breakthrough witnesses a future of super-fast computers and ultra-secure communications, very near.

The findings of the Australian National University-led team, of which Otago's Dr. Jevon Longdell is a member, are reported to be unveiled this week as the cover article of Nature, the world's foremost scientific journal.

The researchers undertook a technique they used to curb and control light from a laser, controlling electrons in a crystal lowered to minus 270 degrees Celsius.

The system permits the fragile quantum nature of the light to be stored, controlled, and recalled with efficiency and accuracy never witnessed before.

Dr. Longdell, a member of Otago's Jack Dodd Centre for Quantum Technology, quoted, "This memory has promising applications in further developing quantum-based technologies for secure communications, and its efficiency level of well over 50% also overcomes one of the key hurdles in making quantum computers a reality".

In addition, the research team involved claims that light storage will permit tests of basis physics.

The lead author of the current Nature article includes ANU colleague Morgan Hedges with Dr. Longdell and Dr. Yongmin Li of Shanxi University as co-authors.