JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 4, 2019 — Researchers from the University of Witswatersrand (Wits) have reported on progress made in the use of structured light in quantum protocols to create a larger encoding alphabet. The researchers said that since patterns of light can be distinguished from each other, they can be used as a form of alphabet. “Light comes in a variety of patterns that can be made unique — like our faces,” professor Andrew Forbes said. “There are, in principle at least, an infinite set of patterns, so an infinite alphabet is available.”