Affordable Large-Scale Quantum Computers One Step Closer With UNSW Research

When it comes to the topic of quantum computing, the world is mesmerized at the moment. As researchers steadily share their research work one after the other, the picture is only getting clearer for the common man. A team of researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) recently revealed in their study that it is possible to control a highly coherent qubit using electric fields instead of pulses of oscillating magnetic fields. Now, qubits are the microscopic objects in whose quantum states, encoding of data is done by quantum computers (the same way PCs store data on hard drives and transistors). The UNSW team has shown that quantum information can be encoded in silicon using electrical pulses. This is the first time this has been made possible and the team is hopeful that their research work can open doors to make large-scale quantum computers a reality.

The same team was responsible for improving the accuracy of controlling these qubits to more than 99%. Moreover, they hold a world record for how long the quantum information can be stored in the solid state. For their current results, the team shared that their method involves distortion of electron cloud's shape using a localized electric field. They have been able to choose which qubit to operate by changing the voltage applied to the small electrode placed above the atom.


To conduct their research, the team used a device designed and developed at the NSW node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility. They owe their result's success to the placement of the qubits inside a thin layer of specially purified silicon, which is non-magnetic in nature and does not disturb the quantum bit.

That said, we can't help but mention all the recent advancements in quantum computing that we've covered over the last few years. Be it the <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/quantum-computer-inside-a-diamond-researchers-eureka-moment.65539">Quantum Computer Inside A Diamond - Researchers' Eureka Moment!</a>, the work on <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/google-and-uc-santa-barbara-working-on-super-fast-quantum-computing-chips.76504">Google And UC Santa Barbara Working On Super-Fast Quantum Computing Chips</a> by Google And UC Santa Barbara, Michigan University's <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/michigan-university-researchers-shine-new-light-on-development-of-quantum-computers.77641">Michigan University Researchers Shine New Light On Development Of Quantum Computers</a> on quantum computers, it is amazing to see how the scientists are pushing the technology's frontiers at such a pathbreaking pace. We would like to give special mentions to <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/worlds-first-quantum-router-demonstrated-by-chinese-research-students.66284">World's First Quantum Router Demonstrated By Chinese Research Students</a> and World's <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/worlds-largest-quantum-circuit-board-created-by-tokyo-australian-university-researchers.71925">World's Largest Quantum Circuit Board Created By Tokyo & Australian University Researchers</a> as well.

What are your thoughts on the recent work by UNSW researchers in the field of quantum computing? Share with us in comments below.

Source: <a href="https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/breakthrough-opens-door-affordable-quantum-computers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Breakthrough opens door to affordable quantum computers | UNSW Newsroom</a>