Defects In Diamonds Can Be Used As Quantum Memory
Now a days, researchers are working on various new types of computers such as chemical computers, DNA computers and quantum computers. These computers differ from ordinary computers primarily in the way they store information. Let us take an example of quantum computers which store the data in form of quantum bits or qu-bits. Unlike conventional computers which store data in form of 0s and 1s, quantum computers store data which is in both the states (0 and 1) simultaneously. Researchers believe that if quantum computers become a reality, their performance and efficiency will be far better than classical computers.
#-Link-Snipped-#Mr. David Awschalom of California university, who is currently working on this technology, says that he would like more and more defects in diamonds so that he can store more quantum information. Here is how. We know that diamond is primarily made of carbon. Nitrogen is a common defect in diamond. Whenever a nitrogen atom is in the vicinity of a vacant place in carbon crystal ,then the element which is intruding gives away an extra electron which then sits in the vacant place (or a hole as termed in semiconductor physics). Now, there are techniques to store the spins of such electrons as quantum bits because scientists can change the spin of such electrons using microwaves. Mr David was  able to link the spin of this electron to the nucleus of the nitrogen atom which takes about 100 nanoseconds. This time is comparable to the time taken to store information in Random Access memory. The spins of electrons in diamond can be changed and used to store desired information. Another advantage of using defects in diamond is that we can operate at room temperature  also. Some other technologies require temperature close to 0 K which is usually difficult to achieve and maintain. Another advantage is that we can vary the size of diamond according to our need. Mr David was able to create his own patterns of nitrogen atom. This technique can be used to transmit quantum information over large distances using diamond chips.
Quantum computing might entirely change the way computers work and may boost their ability to much higher level than classical computers.
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#-Link-Snipped-#Mr. David Awschalom of California university, who is currently working on this technology, says that he would like more and more defects in diamonds so that he can store more quantum information. Here is how. We know that diamond is primarily made of carbon. Nitrogen is a common defect in diamond. Whenever a nitrogen atom is in the vicinity of a vacant place in carbon crystal ,then the element which is intruding gives away an extra electron which then sits in the vacant place (or a hole as termed in semiconductor physics). Now, there are techniques to store the spins of such electrons as quantum bits because scientists can change the spin of such electrons using microwaves. Mr David was  able to link the spin of this electron to the nucleus of the nitrogen atom which takes about 100 nanoseconds. This time is comparable to the time taken to store information in Random Access memory. The spins of electrons in diamond can be changed and used to store desired information. Another advantage of using defects in diamond is that we can operate at room temperature  also. Some other technologies require temperature close to 0 K which is usually difficult to achieve and maintain. Another advantage is that we can vary the size of diamond according to our need. Mr David was able to create his own patterns of nitrogen atom. This technique can be used to transmit quantum information over large distances using diamond chips.
Quantum computing might entirely change the way computers work and may boost their ability to much higher level than classical computers.
Image Source: #-Link-Snipped-#
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