quantum technologies – Lightsources.org

On the shallow surface of isolated nanodiamonds…

2025/12/032025/12/16

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are under active investigation for their unique properties and potential applications in energy harvesting, quantum technologies, and nanomedicine. The surface chemistry of diamond nanoparticles strongly modifies their physico-chemical properties (semiconducting behavior, colloidal properties, interaction with water and light). The present study aims to perform a chemical analysis by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy of the ND shallow surface (i. e. the first atomic planes) surrounded with water molecules.
This was achieved on PLEIADES beamline at SOLEIL synchrotron by researchers from NIMBE (CEA-CNRS UMR) on isolated ND in an aerodynamic jet. Results showed for the first time the effect of residual water molecules on different ND surface chemistries.

The electronic properties of diamond nanoparticles (ND) are highly dependent on their surface chemistry (oxidized, hydrogenated). Such ND can be stabilized in water exhibiting different colloidal properties according to their chemistry. These ND colloids can be further used to activate chemical reactions under light: CO₂ reduction, hydrogen production, pollutant degradation. The ND / water interface, involved in these reactions, is still under investigation. In this study, the scientists investigated by photoemission the shallow surface chemistry of ND surrounded with water molecules. The synchrotron X-ray beam allowed them to tune the incident photon energy to probe the first atomic layers of ND (here 0.3 nanometer).

Read more on the SOLEIL website

Synchrotron radiation sources: toolboxes for quantum technologies

2025/12/012025/12/04

Synchrotron radiation sources generate highly brilliant light pulses, ranging from infrared to hard X-rays, which can be used to gain deep insights into complex materials. An international team has now published an overview on synchrotron methods for the further development of quantum materials and technologies in the journal Advanced Functional Materials: Using concrete examples, they show how these unique tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum technologies such as quantum computing, overcome production barriers and pave the way for future breakthroughs.

In quantum technologies, quantum physical principles such as superposition, interference and entanglement play a decisive role in their function. Components in quantum technology can perform calculations orders of magnitude more efficiently and encrypt information (quantum computing) or deliver unprecedented measurement accuracy in sensors. However, developing such components for practical use remains challenging because quantum systems are inherently sensitive to environmental disturbances, making precise control under normal conditions difficult. To make progress in this area and identify sources of error, it is essential that the materials and devices are thoroughly characterised and better understood.

Read more on the HZB website

Image: A special look at the BESSY II experimental hall

Quantum beats for zeptosecond timing

2021/02/052021/02/09

A team of scientists is developing high-precision timing for quantum technologies

Quantum systems will be crucial to future technologies. However, in order to use such systems in practical applications, it is necessary to control and manipulate them with great precision. A Hamburg research team has now succeeded in controlling and measuring a quantum system with hitherto unattainable temporal precision on the PETRA III beamline P01. They managed to control and detect oscillations inside an atomic nucleus, as well as the gamma radiation emitted, to within 1.3 zeptoseconds. A zeptosecond is 0.000 000 000 000 001 seconds; the thousandth part of a billionth of a billionth of a second. The new method developed by the team makes use of the fundamental excitations that occur within a solid. Precise adjustments of this kind are important when building quantum sensors, for example, to establish extremely precise time standards or to detect minute changes. The newly developed method may also have potential applications in quantum computers or quantum communication, as a way of making specific adjustments to such systems.