Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Large Scale Energy Efficient Sensor Network Routing Using a Quantum Processor Unit
Published on: September 8, 2023
Fast escape of a quantum walker from an integrated photonic maze
Filippo Caruso1, Andrea Crespi2,3, Anna Gabriella Ciriolo3
1LENS, QSTAR &Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Firenze, via Nello Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
Abstract:
Escaping from a complex maze, by exploring different paths with several decision-making branches in order to reach the exit, has always been a very challenging and fascinating task. Wave field and quantum objects may explore a complex structure in parallel by interference effects, but without necessarily leading to more efficient transport. Here, inspired by recent observations in biological energy transport phenomena, we demonstrate how a quantum walker can efficiently reach the output of a maze by partially suppressing the presence of interference. In particular, we show theoretically an unprecedented improvement in transport efficiency for increasing maze size with respect to purely quantum and classical approaches. In addition, we investigate experimentally these hybrid transport phenomena, by mapping the maze problem in an integrated waveguide array, probed by coherent light, hence successfully testing our theoretical results. These achievements may lead towards future bio-inspired photonics technologies for more efficient transport and computation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Prismatic Beams: Problem Solving
The design begins with analyzing the beam as a free body to identify moments and force balances, thereby determining support reactions. Next, the...
Ampere-Maxwell's Law: Problem-Solving
To solve the problem, we can use the equations from the analysis of an RC circuit and Maxwell's version of Ampère's law.
For the first part of the...
The Quantum-Mechanical Model of an Atom
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Escape Velocity
To calculate the escape velocity, it is assumed that no energy is lost to any frictional forces. In practice, a satellite...

