New techniques have recently allowed the study of the behaviour of electrons in a similar way to how photons are studied in traditional optics. This emerging area of research – called quantum electron optics – focuses on manipulating and controlling electron waves to create phenomena such as interference and diffraction.

These wavelike electrons are fundamentally quantum in nature. This means that they can emit light in unique ways when shaped and modulated by lasers.

In this work, the team found that the rate of light emission by electrons does not depend on the shape of the electron wave, while the quantum state of the emitted light does.

Essentially, this means that by changing the shape of the electron wave, they can control the characteristics of the light produced. The emitted light exhibits non-classical quantum properties, differing significantly from the light we encounter daily, which follows classical physics rules.

To produce a much stronger photon signal, the researchers also took advantage of superradiance, where multiple electrons emit light in a coordinated manner, resulting in a much stronger emission than the sum of individual emissions. Another purely quantum effect.

The excitement around this research is based on its potential to advance quantum computing and communication by providing new tools for controlling the many quantum states that are required to make them work.

It could also lead to the development of new light sources with special properties, useful in a whole range of scientific and technological applications.

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