The engineers discovered a way to tune and control quantum bits in today’s electronics, which could make it easier to produce quantum electronics. (Image credit: University of Chicago)
Engineers from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have discovered a method that allows quantum states to be integrated and controlled with the electronics we use daily, including smartphones and laptops. The breakthrough brings the possibility of creating quantum information technologies in everyday devices made from silicon carbide.
Quantum technology is a new field of physics and engineering that works under the principles of quantum mechanics at the atomic level, including quantum entanglement and superposition. Most scientists have agreed on the notion that quantum technology is too delicate to function with current technologies, that is, until now.
Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering (@ UChicago) David Awschalom stated, “The ability to create and control high-performance quantum bits in commercial electronics was a surprise. These discoveries have changed the way we think about developing quantum technologies—perhaps we can find a way to use today’s electronics to build quantum devices.”
Today’s quantum computers are capable of harnessing the data-crunching power of qubits in a superposition state (0, 1, or both) using pulsed lasers in a super-chilled housing; otherwise those qubits become clogged with errors. They also need a team of physicists on hand to crank the computer to life and keep it humming along while it processes information. This breakthrough means those incredibly expensive rigs for quantum computing are no longer required to produce quantum results, which can now be leveraged using the device in your pocket.
Technically, the engineers garnered two breakthroughs with quantum technology, with the first being the ability to control quantum states in silicon carbide over using exotic materials such as topological insulators, which can conduct electricity on their edge but not in the center, which acts as an insulator.
The second breakthrough tackles the electrical noise issue found in all electronics, even quantum computers. The engineers state that they used lasers in their experiments, which has the side effect of jostling electrons around like driving on uneven dirt roads. When the lasers are switched off, those electrons settle into a different configuration than they were originally, which effects their quantum state, resulting in noise. They found that by applying an electric field, those electrons become much more stable.
The quantum states in silicon carbide also produce single particles of light near the wavelengths of communications bandwidths, which could be used to create an unhackable quantum communications network and applied in current fiber optic systems. The engineers used those properties to create a “quantum FM radio,” which can relay quantum information at long distances similar to how music is transmitted over FM radio. More information on these breakthroughs can be found in recently released papers uploaded here and here.
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