Calgary Researchers Uncover Breakthrough Quantum Uses for Diamonds

Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape the use of diamonds in quantum nanophotonics. In a paper published in early December 2025, the team from the university’s Quantum Nanophotonics Lab detailed how they demonstrated a phenomenon known as second-harmonic generation in diamonds, challenging previous assumptions about the material’s capabilities.

Traditionally, diamonds were considered too symmetrical in their crystalline structure to facilitate significant optical transformations. This research, led by Dr. Paul Barclay, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, reveals that by leveraging tiny defects within the diamond’s crystal lattice, the team was able to achieve this transformation. “There is a whole class of applications relating to wavelength conversion that aren’t possible in diamond for reasons that are fundamental to the nature of the diamond crystal,” Dr. Barclay stated. “Not only are we kind of breaking the rules by seeing these effects, but we’ve done so in a way where we can control how strongly we are breaking the rules.”

New Applications in Quantum Technology

The ability to control second-harmonic generation opens up exciting possibilities for the development of new optical devices. Sigurd Flågan, a postdoctoral scholar who led the experiments, emphasized the potential for creating optical switches, lasers, or modulators capable of handling significantly higher power than currently achievable. “Diamond is very good at handling a lot of laser power—you can have a lot of power coming in without breaking the material,” he explained.

These advancements could lead to practical applications in data centers, high-powered laser fabrication, and optical processing technologies. The team had been researching this phenomenon for several years, initially observing it at the end of 2023 and continuing through 2024. “We didn’t have the final intuition and model of what was happening until the beginning of 2025,” Flågan noted.

Implications for Future Research

The findings from this study not only challenge existing notions about the properties of diamonds but also pave the way for further exploration in quantum technologies. This research underscores the importance of continued innovation within the field, particularly as quantum applications become increasingly relevant in various sectors.

Funding and support for such initiatives are critical, as highlighted by recent developments in Alberta, where the provincial government earmarked $55 million to establish a technology and science hub at the University of Calgary. This investment may enhance collaborative efforts and propel quantum research forward.

As the team continues to explore the implications of their findings, the world of quantum nanophotonics is poised for significant advancements, potentially transforming industries reliant on high-performance optical technologies. The work of Dr. Barclay, Flågan, and their colleagues demonstrates how even the most conventional materials can yield unexpected and revolutionary applications.