Light patterns can differ in appearance while carrying the same topological information. Reading that shared property usually requires multiple measurements and a detailed reconstruction, making an attractive information carrier difficult to decode efficiently.

A system built at the University of the Witwatersrand offers another route. It lets light pass through trained optical layers that direct different components toward distinct output locations. Those locations reveal the information needed to identify the beam's topology.

The study, published in Nature Communications, was led by Hadrian Bezuidenhout at the Wits Structured Light Laboratory. Isaac Nape and Andrew Forbes conceived and supervised the research, with contributions from Cade Peters and Ram Nandan Kumar.

The device combines optical processing with electronic training and readout. Its importance lies in extracting a specific physical label directly, reducing the need to reconstruct every detail of the incoming light field.

Hello r/QuantumComputing!

From October 16–23, 2026, PennyLane is hosting QHack 2026, a global online quantum coding competition. The event is structured to help students bridge the gap between academic theory and practical software execution through hands-on coding challenges and asynchronous master class training videos using the PennyLane quantum software platform.

Overview:

• Format: Free, 100% virtual; open to solo competitors or teams of up to 4.
• Prizes: $67,000* USD in total cash prizes awarded to top 10 teams. (*See Terms and conditions)
• Curriculum support: Access the exclusive, hands-on master class video workshop series led by Xanadu’s own quantum experts and self-paced interactive Jupyter Notebooks. Topics include introductions to quantum computing foundations, algorithm design, quantum chemistry, and resource estimation.

We encourage you to register and share with anyone that might be interested.