A team of researchers in China has set a new world record in light storage, successfully preserving light information for an unprecedented 4,035 seconds. This is reported by
Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The researchers devised a novel approach: converting light signals into sound waves, which are significantly slower and more manageable.

Previous attempts relied on materials like metallic aluminium and silicon nitride films, which suffered from high energy losses, limiting storage durations to less than a second. Seeking a more effective solution, the research team tested various materials, including diamond and gallium nitride, before identifying single-crystal silicon carbide as the optimal candidate.

With its highly uniform internal structure, single-crystal silicon carbide offers exceptional frequency stability and minimal energy loss, enabling scientists to achieve the record-breaking 4,035-second storage duration.

Beyond its long-term storage capabilities, the material has demonstrated outstanding performance at extremely low temperatures, making it an ideal candidate for integration with quantum computing systems. This includes superconducting circuits, topological computing frameworks, and semiconductor quantum dots.

Looking ahead, China’s team aims to push the boundaries of light storage even further by extending the duration, increasing data density, and enhancing compatibility with existing quantum systems.

Photo:
iStock