ScienceDaily: Quantum Computer News

Quest for quantum computing advanced

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:29:29 EDT

Scientistst investigating the properties of ultra-thin films of new materials are helping bring quantum computing one step closer to reality.

Optics: Statistics light the way

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:10:10 EDT

A revelation of how photoreceptive cells in the eye distinguish between different light sources could pave the way for a novel class of optical devices.

Competition in the quantum world

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:48:48 EDT

Physicists have gained a deep insight into the nature of quantum mechanical phase transitions. Scientists have simulated the competition between two rival dynamical processes at a novel type of transition between two quantum mechanical orders.

First direct proof of Hofstadter butterfly fractal observed in moiré superlattices

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:15:15 EDT

Scientists have directly observed a rare quantum effect that produces a repeating butterfly-shaped energy spectrum, confirming the longstanding prediction of this quantum fractal energy structure called Hofstadter's butterfly.

Photonic quantum computers: A brighter future than ever

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:38:38 EDT

Harnessing the unique features of the quantum world promises a dramatic speed-up in information processing as compared to the fastest classical machines. Scientists have succeeded in prototyping a new and highly resource efficient model of a quantum computer -- the boson sampling computer.

Flawed diamonds promise sensory perfection: Electron spin extended for incredibly tiny magnetic detectors

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:21:21 EDT

By extending the coherence time of electron states to over half a second, scientists have improved the performance of one of the most potent sensors of magnetic fields on the nanoscale -- a diamond defect no bigger than a pair of atoms called a nitrogen vacancy center. The achievement is important news for nanoscale sensors and quantum computing.

Device for portable, ultra-precise clocks and quantum sensors developed

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:08:08 EDT

Researchers have developed a portable way to produce ultracold atoms for quantum technology and quantum information processing.

Speed test of quantum versus conventional computing: Quantum computer wins

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:28:28 EDT

A quantum computer system is “thousands of times faster” than conventional computing in solving an important problem type, a computer science professor finds.

How to frustrate a quantum magnet: 16 atomic ions simulate a quantum antiferromagnet

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:50:50 EDT

Frustration crops up throughout nature when conflicting constraints on a physical system compete with one another. The way nature resolves these conflicts often leads to exotic phases of matter that are poorly understood. In a new article, researchers describe how to frustrate a quantum magnet composed of sixteen atomic ions -- to date the largest ensemble of qubits to perform a simulation of quantum matter.

Use of laser light yields versatile manipulation of a quantum bit

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:51:51 EDT

By using light, researchers have manipulated the quantum state of a single atomic-sized defect in diamond -- the nitrogen-vacancy center -- in a method that not only allows for more unified control than conventional processes, but is more versatile, and opens up the possibility of exploring new solid-state quantum systems.

Best of both worlds: Towards a quantum Internet with combined optical and electrical technique

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in quantum science that brings the prospect of a network of ultra-powerful quantum computers -- connected via a quantum internet -- closer to reality. The team is the first to have detected the spin, or quantum state, of a single atom using a combined optical and electrical approach.

One step closer to a quantum computer

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:24:24 EDT

Scientists have succeeded in both initializing and reading nuclear spins, relevant to qubits for quantum computers, at room temperature.

The crystal's corners: New nanowire structure has potential to increase semiconductor applications

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:57:57 EDT

New research describes the discovery of a new structure that is a fundamental game changer in the physics of semiconductor nanowires.

Scientists provide 'new spin' on emerging quantum technologies

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:10:10 EDT

Scientists have shed new light on a fundamental area of physics which could have important implications for future electronic devices and the transfer of information at the quantum level.

A new twist for quantum systems

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Physicists have developed a method for precisely controlling quantum systems by exploiting a trick that helps cats to land on their feet and motorists to fit their cars into parking spots. In the longer run, the method could lead to the development of more reliable quantum computers.

Quantum computing taps nucleus of single atom

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Australian engineers have demonstrated that quantum information can be "written" onto the nucleus of a single atom and "read" out with incredible accuracy. The result was achieved using a silicon chip that can be wired up and operated electronically.

Bose-Einstein condensates evaluated for quantum computers

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:58:58 EDT

Physicists have examined how Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) might be used to provide communication among the nodes of a distributed quantum computer. The researchers determined the amount of time needed for quantum information to propagate across their BEC.

Advancing secure communications: A better single-photon emitter for quantum cryptography

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:50:50 EDT

In a development that could make the advanced form of secure communications known as quantum cryptography more practical, researchers have demonstrated a simpler, more efficient single-photon emitter that can be made using traditional semiconductor processing techniques.

Don't call it vaporware: Scientists use cloud of atoms as optical memory device

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:28:28 EDT

Talk about storing data in the cloud. Scientists have taken this to a whole new level by demonstrating that they can store visual images within quite an ethereal memory device -- a thin vapor of rubidium atoms. The effort may prove helpful in creating memory for quantum computers.

Building quantum states with individual silicon atoms

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:27:27 EDT

By introducing individual silicon atom 'defects' using a scanning tunneling microscope, scientists have coupled single atoms to form quantum states.

Quantum cryptography: On wings of light

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:19:19 EDT

Physicists have, for the first time, successfully transmitted a secure quantum code through the atmosphere from an aircraft to a ground station.

Quantum computing? Physicists' new technique for cooling molecules may be a stepping stone to quantum computing

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:41:41 EDT

At the heart of next-generation computers may be a collection of ultracold molecules held at temperatures a mere fraction of a degree above absolute zero. By combining two traditional atomic cooling technologies, physicists have pioneered a new technique for bringing normally springy molecules to a frozen standstill. Their results may be an important stepping stone towards future quantum computing.

Quantum computers counting on carbon nanotubes

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:15:15 EDT

Carbon nanotubes can be used as quantum bits for quantum computers. A study by physicists has shown how nanotubes can store information in the form of vibrations. Up to now, researchers have experimented primarily with electrically charged particles. Because nanomechanical devices are not charged, they are much less sensitive to electrical interference.

Laser-like photons signal major step towards quantum 'Internet'

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:42:42 EDT

The realization of quantum networks is one of the major challenges of modern physics. Now, new research shows how high-quality photons can be generated from "solid-state" chips, bringing us closer to the quantum "Internet."

Smallest vibration sensor in the quantum world

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:59:59 EDT

Carbon nanotubes and magnetic molecules are considered building blocks of future nanoelectronic systems. Their electric and mechanical properties play an important role. Researchers have now found a way to combine both components on the atomic level and to build a quantum mechanical system with novel properties.

Electrons behaving like a particle and a wave: Feynman's double-slit experiment brought to life

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:40:40 EDT

The precise methodology of Richard Feynman's famous double-slit thought-experiment -- a cornerstone of quantum mechanics that showed how electrons behave as both a particle and a wave -- has been followed in full for the very first time.

Quantum magnets moving along: Scientists observes coherent propagation of a single spin impurity in a chain of ultracold atoms

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:54:54 EDT

Many discoveries in physics came as a big surprise -- for example the phenomenon, that some materials loose almost all their electrical resistance at low temperatures, or that others become superconductors at unexpectedly high temperatures. In the past it was mainly due to theoreticians to develop models explaining these unusual properties. Unfortunately it is not possible to have a direct look into a solid state crystal and follow up the motion of charge carriers as this process happens at extremely short time and length scales. Scientists have now observed the coherent propagation of single spin excitations in an ultracold quantum gas of strongly correlated atoms.

The future of ion traps: Technology will continue to be leader in development of quantum computing architectures

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:57:57 EST

Scientists speculate on ion trap technology as a scalable option for quantum information processing.

Engineering breakthrough promises significantly more efficient solar cells

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:57:57 EST

A new technique could lead to significantly more efficient solar cells. Quantum dot photovoltaics offers the potential for low-cost, large-area solar power -- however these devices are not yet highly efficient in the infrared portion of the sun's spectrum, which is responsible for half of the sun's power that reaches Earth. The solution? Spectrally tuned, solution-processed plasmonic nanoparticles. These particles, researchers say, provide unprecedented control over light's propagation and absorption.

Quantum realm: Forging new pathways to quantum devices

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:18:18 EST

Physicists are manipulating light on superconducting chips, and forging new pathways to building the quantum devices of the future -- including super-fast and powerful quantum computers.

Getting around the uncertainty principle: Physicists make first direct measurements of polarization states of light

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:49:49 EST

Researchers have applied a recently developed technique to directly measure for the first time the polarization states of light. Their work both overcomes some important challenges of Heisenberg's famous Uncertainty Principle and also is applicable to qubits, the building blocks of quantum information theory.

Space race underway to create quantum satellite

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:46:46 EST

A new article describes how a quantum space race is under way to create the world's first global quantum-communication network.

Atoms with quantum-memory

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:02:02 EST

Order tends towards disorder. This is also true for quantum states. Measurements show that in quantum mechanics this transition can be quite different from what we experience in our daily lives.

Connecting the (quantum) dots: First viable high-speed quantum computer moves closer

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:40:40 EST

Scientists have developed a new method that better preserves the units necessary to power lightning-fast electronics, known as qubits. Hole spins, rather than electron spins, can keep quantum bits in the same physical state up to 10 times longer than before, the report finds.

Newly observed properties of vacuums: Light particles illuminate the vacuum

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:21:21 EST

Researchers have succeeded in showing experimentally that vacuums have properties not previously observed. According to the laws of quantum mechanics, it is a state with abundant potentials. Vacuums contain momentarily appearing and disappearing virtual pairs, which can be converted into detectable light particles.

Quantum algorithm breakthrough: Performs a true calculation for the first time

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:28:28 EST

Scientists have demonstrated a quantum algorithm that performs a true calculation for the first time. Quantum algorithms could one day enable the design of new materials, pharmaceuticals or clean energy devices.

Quantum dots that assemble themselves

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:07:07 EST

Scientists have demonstrated a process whereby quantum dots can self-assemble at optimal locations in nanowires, a breakthrough that could improve solar cells, quantum computing, and lighting devices.

Breakthrough architecture for quantum computers proposed

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:49:49 EST

Scientists have proposed a new computational model that may become the architecture for a scalable quantum computer.

Playing quantum tricks with measurements

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:36:36 EST

Physicists have performed an experiment that seems to contradict the foundations of quantum theory – at first glance. The team reversed a quantum measurement in a prototype quantum information processor. The experiment is enabled by a technique that has been developed for quantum error correction in a future quantum computer.

Quantum cryptography put to work for electric grid security

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:41:41 EST

Quantum cryptography researchers completed the first-ever demonstration of securing control data for electric grids using quantum cryptography.

Combining quantum information communication and storage

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:54:54 EST

Researchers in Finland have successfully connected a superconducting quantum bit, or qubit, with a micrometer-sized drum head. Thus they transferred information from the qubit to the resonator and back again.

Engineers show feasibility of superfast materials: 'Organic topological insulators' for quantum computing

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:24:24 EST

Engineers demonstrated it is feasible to build the first organic materials that conduct electricity on their edges, but act as an insulator inside. These materials, called organic topological insulators, could shuttle information at the speed of light in quantum computers and other high-speed electronic devices.

Scientists create 'building block' of quantum networks

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:21:21 EST

A proof-of-concept device that could pave the way for on-chip optical quantum networks has been created by a group of researchers. The device has been described as the "building block of future quantum networks."

Using single quantum dots to probe nanowires

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:36:36 EST

Plasmonic antennas will help image and detect bio-particles. This new research helps establish this approach.

Into the quantum Internet at the speed of light

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:46:46 EST

Not only do optical fibers transmit information every day around the world at the speed of light, but they can also be harnessed for the transport of quantum information. Physicists now report how they have directly transferred the quantum information stored in an atom onto a particle of light. Such information could then be sent over optical fiber to a distant atom.

Reconcilable differences: Study uncovers the common ground of scientific opposites

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:24:24 EST

Researchers have developed a mathematical framework that strips away the differences between scientific laws and theories to reveal how the ideas are compatible. They have explained how the mathematical model finds common ground between the famously at-odds physics equations that govern classical and quantum mechanics.

Quantum communication: Each photon counts

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:40:40 EST

Ultrafast, efficient, and reliable single-photon detectors are among the most sought-after components in photonics and quantum communication, which have not yet reached maturity for practical application. Physicist have now, however, achieved a decisive breakthrough by integrating single-photon detectors with nanophotonic chips. The detector combines near-unity detection efficiency with high timing resolution and has a very low error rate.

Quantum States Between Order and Disorder

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:41:41 EST

With his research on quantum states in the realm between order and disorder, one professor's work has raised quite a stir; ultra cold atom clouds with a high degree of order approach a disordered thermal equilibrium. During this transition they spend some time in an astonishingly stable intermediate state.

Mathematical breakthrough sets out rules for more effective teleportation

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

Theoretical physicists have shown that quantum law of 'entanglement' may hold the key to eventual teleportation of quantum information. Now, for the first time, researchers have worked out how entanglement could be 'recycled' to increase the efficiency of these connections. The result could conceivably take us a step closer to sci-fi style teleportation in the future, although this research is purely theoretical in nature.

News from the world of quantum physics: A non-causal quantum eraser

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:59:59 EST

Whether a quantum object behaves like a wave or like a particle depends (according to the Copenhagen interpretation) on the choice of measurement apparatus used for observing the system, and therefore on the type of measurement performed.

Secure communication technology can conquer lack of trust

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:55:55 EST

Many scenarios in business and communication require that two parties share information without either being sure if they can trust the other. Examples include secure auctions and identification at ATM machines. Exploiting the strange properties of the quantum world could be the answer to dealing with such distrust.

Nanotechnology: Spotting a molecular mix-up

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:31:31 EST

Information within the bonds of molecules known as super benzene oligomers pave the way for new types of quantum computers.

New kind of magnetism discovered: Experiments demonstrate ‘quantum spin liquid'

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:37:37 EST

Following up on earlier theoretical predictions, researchers have now demonstrated experimentally the existence of a fundamentally new kind of magnetic behavior, adding to the two previously known states of magnetism. The experiments demonstrate "quantum spin liquid," which could have applications in new computer memory storage.

Extending Einstein's ideas: New kind of quantum entanglement demonstrated

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:15:15 EST

Physicists have published new research which builds on the original ideas of Einstein and adds a new ingredient: a third entangled particle.

Physicists make strides in understanding quantum entanglement

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:15:15 EST

While some theoretical physicists make predictions about astrophysics and the behavior of stars and galaxies, others work in the realm of the very small, which includes quantum physics. Recently, theoretical physicists have made important strides in studying a concept in quantum physics called quantum entanglement, in which electron spins are entangled with each other.

New method to understand superconductors

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:10:10 EST

Researchers have devised a new method to understand the processes that happen when atoms cool which could lead to new materials for superconducting power grids and widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Do we live in a computer simulation run by our descendants? Researchers say idea can be tested

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:27:27 EST

A decade ago, a British philosopher put forth the possibility that our universe might be a computer simulation run by our descendants. Now, physicists have come up with a potential test to see if the idea holds water.

Fastest light-driven process ever

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:24:24 EST

A discovery that promises transistors -- the fundamental part of all modern electronics -- controlled by laser pulses that will be 10,000 faster than today's fastest transistors has now been made.

Switching with a few photons for quantum computing

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:02:02 EST

Quantum computing, where bits of information, or "qubits," are represented by the state of single atomic particles or photons of light, won't be of much use unless we can read the results. Researchers have taken a step in that direction with a device that can measure the presence of just a few photons without disturbing them.

Quantum thermodynamics: A better understanding of how atoms soak up their surroundings

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:59:59 EST

The best yet calculations of the effect of blackbody radiation on the wavefunction of ytterbium atoms, should help produce a better atomic clock.