“The Foundations for a New Generation of Light‑Based Technologies”: Scientists Uncover ‘Hidden’ Property of Light That Allows it to Spin and Twist
University of East Anglia scientists have discovered a 'hidden property of light' that allows it to twist and spin without mirrors or specialized lenses. The breakthrough could have transformative implications for data transmission, medical testing, and quantum technologies.
Scientists at the University of East Anglia have uncovered a previously unknown property of light that enables it to twist and spin. The research team, which included collaborators from South Africa, achieved this without using mirrors, exotic materials, or specialized lenses. The discovery demonstrates that light can exhibit chirality, behaving like a left- or right-handed screw as it travels through space. This property could be used to program light for various applications, including data transmission, medical testing, and quantum technologies. Controlling light with such precision may also advance photonic computing. The researchers noted that their approach could simplify current methods for determining a molecule's handedness, which are used in medicinal applications.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.