New superconductor could cut energy use in quantum computers

Scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), led by Professor Jacob Linder, have reported evidence that the niobium–rhenium alloy NbRe may exhibit triplet superconductivity—a rare and highly sought-after form of superconductivity. Unlike conventional singlet superconductors, which carry electrical current without resistance but do not transport spin, triplet superconductors enable lossless transport of spin currents. This property is crucial for advancing spintronics and quantum computing, as spin can be used to encode and transmit information more efficiently, potentially improving the stability and energy efficiency of quantum computers. The research team collaborated with experimental physicists in Italy to test NbRe and found that its behavior differs from that of conventional superconductors, consistent with triplet superconductivity. However, Linder emphasized that further verification by independent groups and additional testing are necessary before confirming these findings. Triplet superconductors are also linked to Majorana particles, which hold promise for creating more stable quantum bits less susceptible to environmental