Scientists have invented a new type of quantum computing

Australian physicists have created a new type of qubit is the basic unit for information storage in a quantum computer. And, in their opinion, we are finally able to create a truly full-scale quantum computers. In a General sense, there are currently two capable of creating a quantum computer. In one case it requires less space, but the systems themselves are incredibly complex to manufacture. The other system work easier, but it is necessary to demolish a couple of walls to fit such colossus in the premises. New discovery scientists in this case could lead to compromise.

Some researchers use proven methods of capture of a qubit, like the standard model of capture of atoms, which uses the so-called ion traps and optical (laser) tweezers, is able to hold on to particles long enough to allow for analysis of quantum States of these particles. Others use schemes on the basis of superconducting materials, determining the state of a composition just inside the subtle electrical flows.

The Advantage of such systems is that the technology and equipment needed for this already exist. This makes these methods relatively affordable and simple. The main price to pay is in space. And here technology allows you to create a relatively small number of qubits. Creating and storing hundreds or thousands of qubits within a single compact computer now seems an impossible task.

Having the information coding in the nucleus and the electron of the atom, scientists have a new silicon qubit, which they called "trigger qubit". Its peculiarity is that it can be controlled with electric signals instead of magnetic. This means that the qubits can maintain quantum entanglement in more remote than before distance from each other, making it easier and cheaper scalable manufacturing of computers.

"If in a normal quantum system, they will be too close or too far from each other, the "confusion" between the qubits (what makes quantum computers so special) not to show up," — says Guilherme Tosi, researcher at the University of New South Wales, who invented a new type of qubit.

Trigger the qubit will be able to be between these two extremes, offering a real quantum entanglement at a distance of a few hundred nanometers. In other words, it may be exactly what will allow scalable quantum computer based on silicon materials.

To clarify: at the moment, scientists only have a diagram of such a device, they are still not built. But, says Andrea Morell, head of the research group, their achievement is as important as the published in 1998 in the journal Nature an article by Bruce Kane, marked the beginning of the movement of silicon quantum computing.

"As the work of Kane, it's just a theory, a suggestion. The qubit we haven't built a" — said Morello.

"we already Have on hand some initial experimental data that indicate the possibility of creating such a system, so now we are busy to demonstrate this. But at its core, our work is of the same visionary mind as it was the case with the original article Kane".

As mentioned above, the trigger qubit works by encoding information inside the electron and the nucleus of the phosphorus atom enclosed inside a silicon chip and is associated with a set of electrodes. The whole system is then cooled to near absolute zero and placed inside a magnetic field.

The Value of a qubit is determined by the combination of binary properties, called spin. If this spin is open for the electron and the closed core, the qubit acquires a total value "units". If we are talking about the reverse order, the qubit is a "zero". In this case, to control the qubit by using an electric field instead of magnetic signals that it gives. First, it's much easier to integrate such a system in ordinary electronic circuitry, and secondly, and more importantly — in this case, the qubits are able to interact with each other at remote sites.

"To control qubit, you need to place an electron farther from the nucleus, using electrodes on the chip. By doing this, you produce a dipole", — says Tosi.

"It is critically important. Since these dipoles can interact with each other across greater distances, up to 1,000 nanometers," — adds Morello.

"This means that the qubits on the basis of a single atom can be placed much further from each other than previously thought possible. In this case there is the possibility of integrating the system more classical components, like connecting channels, control electrodes and reader, at the same time maintaining an accurate "atomic" nature of quantum bits. The production becomes easier than devices atomic level, the technology allows to fit a million qubits in an area of 1 square millimeter".

All of this in General means that the trigger will allow the qubits to maintain a balance between compact and potentially available quantum computers of the future.

"Design is unique and amazing. And how many conceptual proposals makes you wonder why no one had never guessed" — says Morello.

The Results of the research were published in the journal Nature Communications.