Future Tech
China breakthrough could make ‘fault-tolerant’ quantum computing a reality
Leading quantum physicist Pan Jianwei and his team at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an artificial quantum system that has groundbreaking implications for physics and could pave the way for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
The researchers used photons to simulate an interaction between charged particles known as the fractional anomalous quantum Hall effect, previously observed only in electrons, according to a paper published this month by the journal Science.
Several international experiments have attempted to replicate the Hall effect at the quantum level by putting specific materials through stringent conditions, including strong magnetic fields and extremely low temperatures.
The Chinese researchers developed a new quantum bit - the Plasmonium qubit - to create a clear and flexible artificial system that replicates the phenomenon at normal temperatures without magnetic fields, according to the paper.
The researchers isolated single photons - elementary particles that carry no electrical charge and are also known as quantum light - by boxing them in with a Plasmonium array, making them easier to manipulate and observe.
Chang Jin, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), said the team’s achievement in quantum simulation is expected to have a significant impact on the development of quantum technology.
Pan, who is also a CAS academician, said the experiment “demonstrates for the first time that quantum computing can ... tackle significant issues in physics. It also significantly advances the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing”.
The study’s co-author Lu Chaoyang said the team’s work “deserves to be included in textbooks”. The researchers combined 16 Plasmonium in a 4x4 array, capable of “precisely accommodating a single photon which facilitates observation”.
In an interview with CCTV, Lu said the simulated quantum system allows for the construction of equivalent artificial gauge fields without the need for external magnetic fields.
“By precisely controlling the relative energy and connection strength between the boxes, photons within each box are compelled to start ‘dancing’ with each other, forming a unique pattern as one photon circles around another in two steps,” he said.
“One of our major goals is to explore the mysteries of quantum mechanics using entirely new methods. Based on this quantum system, scientists can create some exotic quantum states that do not exist in nature.”
Quantum simulation technology will be “an important component of the second quantum revolution”, according to state news agency Xinhua.
It is expected to be applied to simulate quantum systems that are ... challenging for classical computers, “ultimately achieving quantum computational supremacy”, Xinhua said.
Pan and his team are already global leaders in their field, building and launching the world’s first quantum satellite Mozi in 2016.
In October last year, they unveiled Jiuzhang 3, a prototype quantum computer which was the first to manipulate 255 photons and can perform specific computations billions of times faster than the world’s fastest supercomputers.
While Jiuzhang 3 is not yet applicable to the high computational demands of fields such as cryptography, weather forecasting or material design, a poster visible during the CCTV interview, revealed that its successor is in development.
According to the poster on the lab wall, Jiuzhang 4 - capable of controlling more than 2,000 photons - is expected to be unveiled this year.
- SCMP
More articles on Future Tech
Organized crime and domestic violence perps are big buyers of tracking devices
Created by Tan KW | Jun 26, 2024
China's Chang'e-6 capsule returns with lunar loot from the far side
Created by Tan KW | Jun 26, 2024
Microsoft blamed for million-plus patient record theft at US hospital giant
Created by Tan KW | Jun 26, 2024
Stability AI stablized by investment from Silcon Valley royalty, new executive team
Created by Tan KW | Jun 26, 2024
Microsoft blamed for million-plus patient record theft at US hospital giant
Created by Tan KW | Jun 26, 2024
Discussions
Be the first to like this. Showing 0 of 0 comments
Post a Comment
Featured Posts
New Update. Discover investment communities that resonate with your ideas
Apps
Top Articles
4
lalalalu finance blog
KAB and Permodalan Kedah Berhad Join Forces to Advance Energy Generation Business
5
6
save malaysia!
Putrajaya reviewing need to slash RON95 subsidy, says Rafizi
7
save malaysia!
8
save malaysia!
#
Stock
Score
Daily Stocks
Stock Name
Last
Change
Volume
Stock Name
Last
Change
Volume
Stock Name
Last
Change
Volume
MQ Trading Signals
Stock
Time
Signal
Duration
Stock
Time
Signal
Duration
Featured Advertisers / Partners
Ride The Bull Short The Bear
CS Tan
4.9 / 5.0
This book is the result of the author's many years of experience and observation throughout his 26 years in the stockbroking industry. It was written for general public to learn to invest based on facts and not on fantasies or hearsay....
