Scientists have uncovered an innovative technique to protect quantum data from “noise” — potentially enabling the creation of functional quantum computers .
Quantum computers rely on quantum entanglement , the relationship between the quantum properties Of two particles that share characteristics instantly throughout time and space. This allows quantum computers to execute computations more swiftly compared to conventional systems since they can handle data concurrently instead of sequentially.
However, sustaining this "coherence" is challenging because of "noise" originating from the external environment, such as interactions with stray particles and beams of light. Even slight variations in temperature It can disrupt the entanglement and scatter the information contained within. This is why the error rate in qubits is significantly higher compared to conventional bits used in classical computing.
Largely, despite companies asserting they possess 1,000 qubits, only a small fraction are actually beneficial. The primary issue is noise," explained the study’s co-author. Andrew Forbes A physics professor at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, speaking to Live Science, stated, "There is consensus that adding more qubits without reducing noise provides no benefit."
Currently, through encoding data within the topology—or the characteristics derived from the form—of two intertwined photons, a group of physicists has discovered a method to retain quantum information despite significant interference. This study was published on March 26 in the journal. Nature Communications .
Related: MIT develops a novel method for QPUs to communicate — setting the stage for an expandable 'quantum supercomputer.'
Just as traditional computer bits serve as the fundamental units of digital data, qubit Just like bits, qubits can represent either a 1 or a 0, reflecting the two potential states within a two-level system.
Due to the unusual principles governing the quantum realm, qubits have the potential to inhabit an effectively limitless number of superposition states beyond just the two classic conditions. Furthermore, once these particles become intertwined within quantum computing systems, their computational power increases at an exponential rate.
However, this quantum daisy chain is delicate: even when kept inside exceedingly cold and well-insulated cryostats, today’s quantum computers are still invaded by minuscule disruptions that quickly disturb the sensitive operations taking place internally.
Quantum noise-cancelation
The typical strategy for preventing quantum decoherence The aim was to maintain entanglement; however, this approach has thus far achieved limited success. In search of an alternative solution, the scientists involved in the recent research endeavored to conserve information within systems that were already partly dephased.
Forbes mentioned that we chose to allow the entanglement to dissipate since it is inherently delicate and should remain as such. Instead, our focus shifted towards conserving information despite having minimal entanglement.
For their approach, Forbes and his team decided to use a kind of qubit called a "topological qubit," which stores data based on the configuration created by two entangled particles. They opted for a quasi-particle referred to as an optical skyrmion, essentially a wavelike structure generated from the interaction of two intertwined photons.
Following exposure to different intensities of noise, the scientists discovered that the patterns and data encoded within the skyrmions maintained their stability significantly longer than what would be expected from non-topological systems before losing coherence.
Forbes explained that as long as some entanglement persists, regardless of the amount, the topology remains unchanged. The topology ceases to exist only when all entanglement has disappeared.
Scientists think their method might be crucial for developing robust quantum computers and networks capable of withstanding environmental noise. They plan to develop a “topological toolbox” designed to store useful data within a skyrmion and retrieve it when needed.
Forbes mentioned that once they achieve this, they could begin considering the application of topology in real-world scenarios such as communication networks and computing.
Enjoying this piece? To read more articles like this one, follow us on MSN by tapping the +Follow button at the top of this page.