Breaking News

Scientists build first quantum battery prototype, advancing ultra-fast charging technology

Australian scientists have developed the world’s first proof-of-concept quantum battery, marking a significant step toward next-generation energy storage capable of ultra-fast charging. The prototype, created by researchers at CSIRO, was successfully charged wirelessly using a laser and completed a full cycle of charging, storing, and discharging energy.

Lead researcher Dr. James Quach said the device is the first to demonstrate all essential battery functions within a single prototype, moving the concept closer to practical application.

Harnessing quantum effects for faster charging

Quantum batteries, first proposed in 2013, rely on principles of quantum mechanics to store and transfer energy. Unlike conventional batteries, they can take advantage of “collective effects,” where multiple quantum cells interact to significantly speed up charging as the system scales.

Quach and his team previously demonstrated this phenomenon in 2022, though that earlier version could not release stored energy. The latest prototype overcomes that limitation, offering a complete operational cycle.

The findings, published in the journal Light: Science & Applications, show the device can charge in femtoseconds—quadrillionths of a second—and store energy for nanoseconds. However, its current capacity remains extremely small, measured in a few billion electron volts, far below what is needed to power everyday electronics.

Path to real-world applications

While still at an early stage, the technology could eventually transform how devices are powered and charged. Because the system can be charged wirelessly using lasers, it opens possibilities for remote energy transfer in applications such as drones, sensors, and electric vehicles.

The next phase of research will focus on extending energy storage duration and scaling capacity to make the technology viable for commercial use, including mobile communications and other energy-intensive applications.

Professor Andrew White described the development as a key milestone, noting that the prototype demonstrates quantum batteries are no longer purely theoretical.

The breakthrough highlights the growing role of quantum technologies in energy innovation, potentially paving the way for faster more efficient, and wireless power systems in the future.