"Weaving patterns into light for communication and computing", presented by Dr. Isaac Nape, Structured Light Laboratory; School of Physics; University of the Witwatersrand.

Structured light, generated by weaving patterns into photons through spatial phase, amplitude, polarization, and wavelength control, has emerged as a powerful tool for high-capacity quantum communication and computing. By engineering transverse spatial modes, we unlock vast encoding alphabets for quantum information processing. In this talk, I will showcase how we use spatial patterns of light—specifically through tailoring and manipulating these modes—to realize quantum computing and communication protocols at the Structured Light Lab. In essence, we will explore how to perform quantum protocols with “pictures,” demonstrating the potential of structured light to expand both the capacity and robustness of future quantum systems.