A new nanoscale diamond structure that better collects and controls light

The novel device produces a ‘nanojet’ of light and holds promise to advance scalable quantum technologies

Friday, May 22, 2026

Researchers at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo have demonstrated a nanoscale optical device that makes it easier to probe quantum systems with light to enable more efficient quantum sensors and solid-state quantum computing systems. The new device was demonstrated in diamond as a proof of principle. 

This optical device has the potential to make quantum sensors better at detecting weak magnetic fields, which could enhance technologies in biomedical imaging or navigation in GPS-denied environments. It could also advance solid-state quantum computing architectures by improving control and readout of individual quantum bits (qubits), and the transfer of quantum information between them. 

Read the full article

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) on May 21, 2026, and has been reposted with permission.