New quantum device operates at room temperature for stable qubits

Stanford University researchers have developed a nanoscale quantum device that operates at room temperature, eliminating the need for the extreme cryogenic cooling required by current quantum computers. This breakthrough device uses engineered silicon nanostructures combined with a layer of molybdenum diselenide, a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC), to stabilize qubits by entangling the spins of photons and electrons. The silicon chip creates “twisted light,” where photons spin in a corkscrew pattern, enabling strong coupling with electron spins—crucial for quantum communication and processing. The nanoscale patterns on the chip are about the size of visible light wavelengths, allowing precise control over these quantum interactions. This innovation addresses a major limitation in quantum technology: qubit decoherence caused by thermal noise at higher temperatures. By enabling stable qubits at room temperature, the device promises to make quantum systems smaller, more practical, and less costly, potentially expanding their use beyond specialized labs. The researchers envision applications in