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Precious metal products, such as the extensive range we have on offer, are widely used in industry because of their unique properties such as: high melting points, corrosion resistance, bio-compatibility and electrical conductivity.
In the specialized world of quantum technology, the role of silver – in its various forms such as ribbons and pellets – is well-recognized by researchers.
Silver ribbons are essentially thin strips of silver metal, typically produced by flattening silver into thin, ribbon-like shapes (learn more about precious metal wire & ribbon here). In research applications, they are often used. One example is in the field of quantum computing, where silver ribbon plays a significant role due to its exceptional conductivity and anti-corrosive properties. Silver ribbon has been incorporated in superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) for years, offering a low resistance path for electric currents.
SQUIDs are sensitive magnetometers and serve as the backbone for the readout mechanisms in quantum computers. Silver ribbon reduces the rate of energy loss, thereby enhancing overall system performance. This long-standing use of silver ribbon continues to be essential as quantum computing boundaries continue to be pushed.
Silver pellets, also sometimes referred to as silver granules or shots, are small pieces of silver, a form chosen where controlled amounts of silver are required. They can be precisely measured by weight and added to processes, making them ideal for a variety of manufacturing needs, including quantum technology and research.
IAM Drijfhout’s silver pellets, a semi-finished product, play a pivotal role in harnessing the power of entangled photons for quantum communication and quantum sensing.
Entangled photons are pairs of light particles that are interconnected in such a way that the state of one instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. These particles are fundamental to quantum communication systems, as they provide a highly secure way to transmit information.
Silver pellets are employed in spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) processes, where a single photon is split into two entangled photons. The unique plasmonic properties of silver enhance the efficiency of photon-pair production, enabling more robust and secure quantum communication systems.
Moreover, in the quantum sensing domain, silver pellets facilitate the creation of highly sensitive plasmonic sensors. The interaction of light with silver at the nanoscale allows the detection of minuscule environmental changes, thus augmenting the accuracy of quantum sensors.
Silver is seen as having great potential in future performance improvements for quantum technology, systems. As a result of the increasing demand for high quality silver products, securing a reliable source becomes essential.
IAM Drijfhout has a very long-standing history in dealing with precious metals. We can ensure you have access to silver ribbon and pellets of the highest quality, with specifications that meet the needs of your particular quantum technology research. We are also dedicated to sustainable practices including an excellent recycling service.
Our team is on hand to find the right product for you based on your specifications, whether it be in silver, gold, platinum, palladium or another precious metal. Reach out to us for a quote or advice on any of our products and services.
