The world’s first commercial product delivering individual photons of light has been developed by researchers from Quantum Communication Victoria (QCV) within the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne.

The technology uses the unique properties of diamond to produce single particles of light (photons) on demand at room temperature.

The Single Photon Source was launched on 27 February 2008 at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Trade Fair in San Diego, USA,

“This is a critical moment in the development of quantum based technologies for practical use,” said QCV CEO Dr Shane Huntington.

“The availability of a commercial single photon source will enable many viable quantum technologies to reach the market place.”

The device which can be accessed with a standard optical fibre connection has the potential to be used as a component in secure telecommunications systems, for quantum metrology and other quantum based applications.

“As an initial application the Single Photon Source will be integrated into existing commercial Quantum Cryptosystems, drastically improving their performance and providing one hundred per cent secure telecommunications,” said Dr Huntington.

QCV is considering commercial partners and investors to participate in a start-up which will pursue commercialisation of the Single Photon Source in various markets.

The Melbourne based development team are collaborating with Magiq Pty Ltd, a Boston based supplier of Quantum encryption equipment to optimise the integration of the Single Photon Source into existing Quantum Key Distribution systems, with testing and field trials the next step.

Further work is being undertaken in investigating the various other applications for the QCV Single Photon Source including: other quantum applications, microscopy and optical sensing.