Calgary Researchers Uncover Innovative Quantum Uses for Diamonds

Researchers at the University of Calgary have made significant strides in quantum science through their groundbreaking study on diamonds. Published in early December 2025, the findings from the university’s Quantum Nanophotonics Lab reveal new applications for diamonds in the field of quantum nanophotonics, specifically through a phenomenon known as second-harmonic generation. This process entails converting light from one color to another by altering its frequency and wavelength.

Historically, diamonds were thought to be too symmetrical in their crystalline structure to facilitate such optical transformations. However, this new research challenges that perception, showcasing how researchers can not only observe these effects but also control the extent to which they occur.

Breaking New Ground in Quantum Applications

Dr. Paul Barclay, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the head of the Quantum Nanophotonics Lab, highlighted the importance of this discovery. “Diamond is not traditionally a material that would be compatible with the effects we’re seeing in our paper,” he explained. “There is a whole class of applications relating to wavelength conversion that aren’t possible in diamond for reasons that are fundamental and related to the nature of the diamond crystal.”

By exploiting tiny defects within the diamond’s crystal structure, the research team has overcome previous limitations, opening the door to innovative applications in quantum nanophotonics. “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,” Dr. Barclay added.

Potential Applications and Future Research

The implications of this research are vast. According to Sigurd Flågan, a postdoctoral scholar with the lab and the lead researcher on the experiments, diamonds excel at managing high levels of laser power without damage. This capability enables the potential development of optical switches, lasers, or modulators that can handle significantly more power than current technology allows.

Flågan pointed out that practical applications could extend to data centers, high-powered laser fabrication, and advanced optical processing systems. The research team first observed the relevant phenomena in late 2023, with further investigations continuing through 2024. “However, we didn’t have the final intuition and model of what was happening until the beginning of 2025,” Flågan noted.

The University of Calgary’s advancements in quantum nanophotonics not only enhance scientific understanding but may also contribute to technological innovations across various industries, underscoring the dynamic relationship between fundamental research and practical applications.