Storing data on a single atom using four different methods can pack even more quantum processing power into a given space, according to a new study. This method enables more powerful quantum computers that are easier to control.
While classical computers can process and store information as 0s or 1s, quantum computers can do the same thing and a superposition of both at the same time. This allows each additional quantum bit (qubit) to gain exponentially more power, allowing us to tackle problems too complex for regular machines.
The problem is that those qubits can become difficult to manipulate, especially as quantum computers start using them more and more. But now scientists at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney have shown that data can be written to a qubit (in this case, a single atom) in four different ways, depending on what is needed each time. .
The atom in question is an element called antimony, which can be implanted into a silicon chip to replace one of the silicon atoms. This heavy atom was chosen for the job because its nucleus already contains eight distinct quantum states that can be used to encode quantum data. Moreover, it itself has an electron with two quantum states, and the total provided in the antimony atom doubles to 16 (each of the original eight, but in turn with each of the two of the electrons) (become a pair). Creating a 16-state quantum computer using other materials would require four coupled qubits.
But the real breakthrough in this research was that the team was able to manipulate the atomic data using four different methods. Electrons can be controlled by oscillating magnetic fields. Magnetic resonance techniques, such as those used in MRI machines, have the potential to manipulate the spin of atomic nuclei. Electric fields can also be used to control atomic nuclei. And finally, a technology called “flip-flop qubits” has made it possible to control atomic nuclei and electrons in opposition to each other with the help of electric fields.
The researchers say their work could help make quantum computers more “dense” and pack more qubits into a smaller space.
“We're investing in harder, slower technology for very good reasons. One of them is the much higher density of information we can process,” said the study's lead author. says Professor Andrea Morello. “It's very nice to have 25 million atoms in one square millimeter, but we need to control them one by one. We can do it flexibly using magnetic fields, electric fields, or a combination of them. , giving you more options when scaling up your system.”
The team then plans to use these atoms to encode logical qubits, which could eventually pave the way to more practical quantum computers.
The study was published in the journal nature communications.
Source: New South Wales
