September 8, 2026, 1:57 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Empty smartphone batteries or long charging times for electric cars are a common issue for many. Researchers from Australia have now introduced a system that absorbs energy at a speed far beyond what current batteries can achieve. In a lab experiment, a quantum battery managed to store energy within femtoseconds. Even a blink of an eye takes unimaginably longer in comparison.
The prototype was developed by researchers from the Australian research organization CSIRO, RMIT University, and the University of Melbourne. They published their findings in the journal “Light: Science & Applications.”
How the Quantum Battery Works
Unlike conventional batteries, the experimental model does not rely on chemical reactions. Instead, it utilizes physical effects from the quantum world. Multiple layers form a cavity where light and matter interact. Energy is wirelessly transferred into the system via a laser.
Inside, an effect known as superabsorption occurs. The molecules absorb the light not individually, but collectively. According to the researchers, this increases the charging speed as the system size grows. With traditional batteries, it’s usually the opposite.
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First Complete Charging Cycle Achieved
According to the team, the prototype successfully completed a full cycle for the first time. The quantum battery was able to absorb, store, and then release energy as electrical power. Additionally, the experiment worked at room temperature.
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This experiment demonstrates that the fundamental processes of such an energy storage system can be practically implemented. The researchers see this as an important step in the development of the technology.
Not Yet Suitable for Everyday Use
However, the technology is still far from being used in smartphones, laptops, or electric cars. Although the quantum battery stored energy about a million times longer than the actual charging process took, the storage duration was still only in the range of nanoseconds, or billionths of a second.
For practical use, the researchers say they need to solve two main problems. First, the energy must be stored for a significantly longer time. Second, the amount of energy that can be absorbed needs to increase.
CSIRO is therefore seeking partners for further development. Whether the observed advantages will hold for much larger energy storage systems is still unclear.