Articles tagged with "quantum-technology"
Laser-powered quantum radio works without electricity or antennas
Physicists at the University of Warsaw have developed the world’s first all-optical quantum radio receiver powered solely by laser light, eliminating the need for traditional metal antennas and electrical circuits. This innovative device uses rubidium atoms excited to Rydberg states by ultra-stable lasers to detect and decode radio waves. When radio signals pass through the rubidium vapor, they subtly alter the atomic electron orbits, causing the emission of faint infrared light that carries the encoded information. The system employs optical cavities to maintain precise synchronization between the lasers and atoms, enabling accurate detection of signal amplitude and phase. This approach allows the receiver to self-calibrate, sense weak fields with high precision, and operate invisibly without interfering with the radio environment. Unlike conventional receivers, the laser-powered quantum radio is non-invasive and free of metal components, making it potentially miniaturizable to fit on optical fibers for remote and discreet sensing. This breakthrough could revolutionize microwave field calibration and enable new applications such as stealth sensors and satellite-based
quantum-radiolaser-technologyquantum-sensingRydberg-atomswireless-communicationoptical-detectionquantum-technologyThermodynamic limits surpassed with quantum energy-harvesting method
Japanese researchers have developed a novel quantum energy-harvesting method that surpasses traditional thermodynamic efficiency limits by exploiting non-thermal quantum states. Their approach utilizes a non-thermal Tomonaga-Luttinger (TL) liquid—a one-dimensional electron system that resists thermalization and retains high-energy quantum states instead of distributing heat evenly. By directing waste heat from a quantum point contact transistor into this TL liquid, the team demonstrated significantly higher electrical voltage generation and improved energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional quasi-thermalized systems. The researchers supported their experimental findings with a theoretical model based on a binary Fermi distribution, showing that their method can exceed classical efficiency boundaries such as the Carnot and Curzon-Ahlborn limits. This breakthrough highlights the potential of non-thermal quantum states as sustainable energy resources, enabling more efficient low-power electronics and advancing quantum computing technologies. The study suggests that waste heat from quantum devices and electronics could be effectively recycled into usable power, paving the way for next-generation energy-har
energyquantum-energy-harvestingthermodynamicswaste-heat-recoverylow-power-electronicsquantum-technologyenergy-efficiencyMIT doubles optical atomic clock precision with quantum trick
MIT physicists have developed a new quantum technique called global phase spectroscopy that doubles the precision of optical atomic clocks by overcoming quantum noise, a fundamental barrier in measuring atomic oscillations. Optical atomic clocks, which use atoms like ytterbium ticking up to 100 trillion times per second, are more precise than traditional cesium-based clocks but have been limited by quantum noise obscuring their natural rhythm. The new method leverages a subtle laser-induced "global phase" in entangled ytterbium atoms, amplifying this signal through quantum entanglement to detect twice as many atomic "ticks" per second and significantly improve clock stability. This advancement builds on prior MIT research involving entanglement and time-reversal techniques that enhanced microwave clock precision but had not been successfully applied to the much faster optical clocks. By amplifying the global phase signal left by laser interactions with entangled atoms, the researchers can more effectively detect and correct laser drift, a major source of instability. This breakthrough paves the way for smaller
materialsquantum-technologyatomic-clocksprecision-measurementoptical-clocksquantum-noise-reductiontimekeeping-technologyNew molecular coating method improves quantum photon purity by 87%
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel molecular coating technique that significantly enhances the purity and reliability of single-photon sources critical for quantum technologies. By applying a layer of PTCDA molecules onto tungsten diselenide, an atomically thin semiconductor known for its single-photon emission at atomic defects, the team achieved an 87% improvement in photon spectral purity. This coating protects the fragile quantum emitters from atmospheric contaminants like oxygen, which previously caused variability and noise in photon production, without altering the semiconductor’s intrinsic electronic properties. The PTCDA coating not only stabilizes the photon emission but also uniformly shifts the photon energy to lower levels, beneficial for quantum communication devices. This uniformity and improved control over photon emission are essential for developing scalable, tunable, and stable single-photon sources, which are foundational for quantum computing, sensing, and secure quantum communication networks. The researchers plan to extend this approach to other semiconductor materials and explore electrically driven photon emission, aiming to advance toward interconnected quantum networks and
quantum-materialsmolecular-coatingtungsten-diselenidesingle-photon-emittersquantum-communicationsemiconductor-materialsquantum-technologyUltra-thin quantum sensors survive 30,000 times the pressure of air
Physicists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed ultra-thin quantum sensors made from crystallized boron nitride that can measure stress and magnetism under pressures exceeding 30,000 times atmospheric pressure. These sensors leverage vacancies created by neutron radiation beams that knock boron atoms out of the boron nitride sheets, trapping electrons whose quantum spin states change in response to local magnetic fields, stress, or temperature. Unlike previous diamond-based quantum sensors, these two-dimensional boron nitride sensors are less than 100 nanometers thick, allowing them to be placed extremely close—within a nanometer—to the material under study, enhancing measurement precision under extreme conditions. To apply such high pressures, the team uses diamond anvils—tiny, durable flat surfaces about 400 micrometers wide—that compress the sample material. Initial tests demonstrated the sensors’ ability to detect subtle magnetic changes in two-dimensional magnets. Future plans include studying materials from high-pressure environments like Earth’s core to better understand geological phenomena
quantum-sensorsboron-nitridehigh-pressure-measurementmaterials-science2D-materialsmagnetism-detectionquantum-technologyDiamonds created using electron beams, overturning 'common wisdom'
Researchers at the University of Tokyo, led by Professor Eiichi Nakamura, have developed a novel method to create nanodiamonds by irradiating adamantane—a cage-shaped hydrocarbon molecule with a diamond-like carbon skeleton—with electron beams inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Contrary to the prevailing belief that electron beams destroy organic molecules, their technique uses controlled electron irradiation to break carbon–hydrogen bonds and form new carbon–carbon bonds, transforming adamantane into defect-free nanodiamonds approximately 10 nanometers in diameter. This process occurs at relatively low pressures and without the extreme heat or crushing pressures traditionally required for diamond synthesis, marking a significant breakthrough in both synthetic diamond production and electron microscopy. The discovery not only challenges the long-standing assumption that electron beams irreversibly damage organic molecules but also opens new possibilities for material science and technology. The unique diamond-like structure of adamantane is crucial for this transformation, as other hydrocarbons did not yield similar results. Potential applications include advancements in
materialsnanodiamondssynthetic-diamondselectron-beamnanotechnologyquantum-technologytransmission-electron-microscopyWorld’s Smallest Cat 🐱✨
The article highlights a groundbreaking scientific achievement where researchers have created the world’s smallest "cat," not a living feline but a single rubidium atom precisely arranged using lasers and artificial intelligence. This atomic-scale creation symbolizes the cutting-edge advancements in quantum technology, showcasing the ability to manipulate individual atoms with extraordinary accuracy. This feat is more than a novelty; it represents a significant step toward the future of quantum computing. By controlling atoms at such a fine level, scientists aim to develop quantum machines capable of processing information far beyond the capabilities of current computers. The work underscores the potential of combining laser technology and AI to push the boundaries of quantum mechanics and computing innovation.
materialsquantum-computingAIlasersatomic-manipulationquantum-technologyprecision-engineeringFirst protein-based quantum bit could change biological research
Researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed the first protein-based quantum bit (qubit) by converting a living cell protein—enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP)—into a functional qubit. Unlike traditional quantum sensors that require extremely cold, controlled environments, this protein qubit operates effectively within the warm, noisy environment of living cells. The team demonstrated that the protein qubit exhibits quantum behaviors such as spin coherence and optically detected magnetic resonance, and can be initialized, manipulated with microwaves, and read out using light inside living cells. This breakthrough challenges the long-held belief that quantum phenomena cannot survive in biological systems and opens new possibilities for biological research. Although the protein qubits are currently less sensitive than diamond-based quantum sensors, their ability to be genetically encoded directly into living cells offers a unique advantage. This capability could enable unprecedented observation of biological processes at the molecular level, such as protein folding and early disease stages, potentially leading to quantum-enabled nanoscale MRI
materialsquantum-computingprotein-qubitquantum-sensormolecular-engineeringbiological-researchquantum-technologySchrödinger’s cat video made with 2,024 atoms in quantum breakthrough
A team of physicists from the University of Science and Technology of China has created what is described as the "world’s smallest cat video," depicting Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment using just 2,024 rubidium atoms. This quantum-level visualization uses optical tweezers—focused laser beams—to precisely manipulate individual atoms within a 230-micron-wide array. Machine learning algorithms enable real-time calculations that direct the lasers to rearrange all atoms simultaneously in just 60 milliseconds, a significant improvement over previous methods that moved atoms one by one. The glowing atoms form images representing key moments of the Schrödinger’s cat paradox, illustrating the concept of superposition where a particle exists in multiple states simultaneously. This breakthrough addresses a major bottleneck in neutral-atom quantum computing by enabling rapid, defect-free assembly of large atom arrays with high accuracy—reported as 99.97% for single-qubit operations and 99.5% for two-qubit operations. The technique is highly scalable, maintaining
materialsquantum-computingmachine-learningoptical-tweezersrubidium-atomsAIquantum-technologyIn a first, transmon qubit achieves a coherence time of one millisecond
Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing by extending the coherence time of a superconducting transmon qubit to over one millisecond, with a median coherence time of about 0.5 milliseconds. This marks a new world record, significantly surpassing the previous best echo coherence times of around 0.6 milliseconds. The team accomplished this by using ultra-clean superconducting films, precise electron-beam lithography, and meticulous fabrication of Josephson junctions, all performed in a highly controlled cleanroom environment. Cooling the chip to near absolute zero and employing specialized low-noise amplifiers further preserved the qubit’s fragile quantum state. This advancement is crucial because longer coherence times allow qubits to perform more quantum operations before errors occur, enhancing the reliability and practicality of quantum computers. While this milestone is promising for the development of quantum sensors, simulators, and computers, scaling the technology to many qubits on a single chip with similar coherence remains a significant challenge. To
materialsquantum-computingsuperconducting-qubitstransmon-qubitcoherence-timequantum-technologyquantum-sensorsDiamond-based quantum battery holds charge longer without leaks
Researchers from Hubei University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Lanzhou University have developed a novel quantum battery (QB) design based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, addressing a major limitation of quantum energy storage: spontaneous energy loss or self-discharging. Unlike previous QB models that require a quantum charger and suffer from reduced useful work (ergotropy) due to charger-battery entanglement, this new design leverages the intrinsic hyperfine interaction between the NV center’s electron spin and nitrogen nucleus. This internal quantum feature suppresses self-discharge without external control, allowing the battery to retain energy longer and deliver more usable power. The NV center, a well-studied defect in diamond known for its stable spin properties at room temperature, provides a practical and realistic platform for quantum devices. This advancement overcomes two key challenges in quantum battery technology: decoherence-induced charging inefficiency and energy loss during storage. The research builds on previous work that improved charging protocols
quantum-batterydiamond-materialsenergy-storagenitrogen-vacancy-centerquantum-energyself-discharge-reductionquantum-technologyUS chip recreates LHC-scale energy for medical, quantum breakthroughs
Researchers at the University of Colorado Denver have developed a silicon-based quantum chip capable of generating electromagnetic fields comparable in intensity to those produced by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, but within a palm-sized device. This breakthrough allows the creation and manipulation of extreme electromagnetic fields in a standard laboratory setting, overcoming previous limitations that required massive facilities like the LHC. The chip maintains stability despite high-energy particle oscillations and heat flow, enabling unprecedented observation of quantum electron gas activity. This innovation holds significant promise for advancing both fundamental physics and medical technology. One key potential application is the development of gamma-ray lasers ("grasers"), which could provide imaging at the atomic nucleus level, vastly improving medical diagnostics and treatments. Such lasers might even enable the targeted removal of cancer cells at the nano-molecular scale. Beyond medicine, the technology could facilitate exploration of fundamental questions in physics, such as probing the universe's fabric and investigating multiverse theories. The research marks a pivotal step forward in material science and quantum
energyquantum-technologyelectromagnetic-fieldssilicon-chipmedical-technologyparticle-beamsgamma-ray-laserMicrosoft to build world's most powerful quantum computer in Denmark
Microsoft, in collaboration with Denmark’s investment fund EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, is launching QuNorth, a project aimed at building the world’s most powerful commercial quantum computer, named Magne, in the Nordic region. With a €80 million ($93 million) investment, QuNorth seeks to address the Nordic countries' current lack of access to advanced Level 2 quantum systems, which are crucial for conducting reliable and complex quantum computations. Magne will feature 50 logical qubits supported by 1,200 physical qubits, making it one of the first Level 2 quantum computers globally. This full-stack quantum computer will integrate hardware, software, operating systems, and control electronics, with Atom Computing providing the hardware and Microsoft supplying Azure software tailored to Atom’s neutral atom technology. Construction of Magne is set to begin in late 2025, with completion expected by early 2027. QuNorth will establish a leadership team, including a CEO and research positions in partnership with Microsoft,
quantum-computingMicrosoftquantum-technologyNordic-regionLevel-2-quantum-systemsAtom-ComputingQuNorth-projectAustralian Navy tests quantum navigation to counter GPS spoofing
Australia’s Navy has successfully tested a quantum gravimetric navigation system developed by Q-CTRL, marking a significant advancement toward GPS-independent maritime navigation for defense purposes. The technology uses a quantum dual gravimeter to measure subtle variations in Earth’s gravity, allowing vessels to navigate by comparing these measurements to known gravity maps, effectively providing a GPS-free navigation method. This system was trialed aboard the Navy ship MV Sycamore for 144 hours under real maritime conditions without human interference, demonstrating reliable performance despite the ship’s motion and engine vibrations. The gravimeter is compact and energy-efficient, consuming only 180W of power, which is notably low for such advanced technology. The trials address a critical vulnerability in current navigation systems: GPS signal spoofing and denial, which have caused significant disruptions in commercial and military operations worldwide, including recent incidents in Middle Eastern waterways. GPS outages pose economic risks exceeding one billion dollars daily in the US alone, emphasizing the urgent need for robust alternatives. Quantum gravimetric navigation offers
quantum-navigationquantum-sensorsGPS-spoofingmaritime-navigationdefense-technologygravimetric-navigationquantum-technologyScientists probe whether gravity and space-time alter quantum world
A recent study by researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, and Harvard University explores how quantum networks can be used to investigate the effects of curved space-time on quantum theory, probing the intersection of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and quantum mechanics. Their work, published in PRX Quantum, introduces a protocol leveraging entangled W-states and quantum teleportation to distribute quantum effects across network nodes, enabling experimental tests of quantum theory under gravitational influences. This approach could provide new insights into whether gravity alters quantum mechanics, addressing a longstanding challenge in physics. The researchers highlight that while quantum mechanics effectively describes atomic and subatomic behavior, it remains unclear how or if gravity modifies these quantum effects, especially given the differences from classical physics at larger scales. Quantum networks, beyond their anticipated role in creating a global quantum internet and ultra-secure communications, offer a novel platform to experimentally study fundamental physics in curved space-time—something classical computing cannot achieve. This research opens pathways toward testing and potentially unifying quantum
quantum-networksquantum-mechanicsquantum-gravityquantum-internetquantum-entanglementquantum-computingquantum-technologyNew light trick keeps atomic spin stable 10x longer at room temp
Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Cornell University have developed a novel technique using a single, carefully tuned laser beam to significantly enhance the stability of atomic spins in cesium vapor at room temperature. This method reduces spin relaxation—a key challenge where atoms lose their magnetic orientation due to collisions and environmental noise—by nearly tenfold without the need for traditional approaches like magnetic shielding or cryogenic cooling. The laser light induces energy level shifts that synchronize the precession of atomic spins, effectively acting as a stabilizer that maintains coherence even under conditions of high magnetic fields and ambient temperatures. This breakthrough has major implications for quantum technologies, potentially enabling more compact, stable, and practical quantum devices such as magnetometers, quantum sensors, and navigation systems that do not rely on bulky or extreme environmental controls. The approach leverages light-induced “light shifts” to keep atomic spins aligned, improving quantum coherence times and making quantum systems more robust against noise. Published in Physical Review Letters, this advancement represents a simpler, scalable solution that
quantum-sensorsatomic-spinslaser-stabilizationquantum-coherencespin-relaxationquantum-technologyroom-temperature-quantum-devicesPhysicists double qubit coherence, opening door to faster quantum computing
Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing by doubling the coherence time of transmon qubits, reaching an echo coherence time of 1 millisecond—significantly surpassing the previous record of approximately 0.6 milliseconds. Coherence time measures how long a qubit can maintain its quantum state without errors caused by environmental noise, which is critical for performing complex quantum operations with high fidelity. Longer coherence times reduce the reliance on extensive quantum error correction, a major hurdle in scaling quantum computers to practical, fault-tolerant devices. The team fabricated high-quality transmon qubits using superconducting materials sourced from Finland’s national research institute, VTT, and utilized advanced cleanroom facilities at Aalto University. This advancement not only marks a significant scientific milestone but also strengthens Finland’s position as a global leader in quantum technology. Supported by initiatives like the Finnish Quantum Flagship and the Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence in Quantum Technology, the researchers anticipate that industrial and commercial
materialsquantum-computingqubitssuperconducting-materialscoherence-timequantum-technologyquantum-error-correctionWorld’s first semiconductor made by quantum tech stuns chip industry
Researchers at Australia’s Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) have unveiled the world’s first semiconductor fabricated using quantum machine learning (QML) techniques, marking a significant breakthrough in semiconductor design. Their approach, centered on a Quantum Kernel-Aligned Regressor (QKAR), outperformed seven classical machine learning (CML) algorithms traditionally used in this field. The team focused on modeling the Ohmic contact resistance—a critical yet challenging parameter that measures electrical resistance at the metal-semiconductor interface—using data from 159 experimental samples of gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors (GaN HEMTs), which offer superior performance compared to silicon-based semiconductors. The QKAR architecture converts classical data into quantum data using five qubits, enabling efficient feature extraction through a quantum kernel alignment layer. This quantum-processed information is then analyzed by classical algorithms to identify key fabrication parameters and optimize the semiconductor manufacturing process. By intelligently reducing the problem’s dimensionality, the researchers ensured compatibility
semiconductorquantum-technologyquantum-machine-learningmaterials-sciencechip-designgallium-nitridehigh-electron-mobility-transistorNew approach allows to insert, monitor quantum defects in real time
Researchers from the UK’s universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Manchester have developed a novel two-step fabrication method that enables the precise insertion and real-time monitoring of quantum defects—specifically Group IV centers such as tin-vacancy centers—in synthetic diamonds. These quantum defects, created by implanting single tin atoms into diamond with nanometer accuracy using a focused ion beam, serve as spin-photon interfaces essential for storing and transmitting quantum information. The process is activated and controlled via ultrafast laser annealing, which excites the defect centers without damaging the diamond and provides spectral feedback for in-situ monitoring and control during fabrication. This breakthrough addresses a major challenge in reliably producing Group IV quantum defects, which are prized for their high symmetry and favorable optical and spin properties. The ability to monitor defect activation in real time allows researchers to efficiently and precisely create quantum emitters, paving the way for scalable quantum networks that could enable ultrafast, secure quantum computing and sensing technologies. The method’s versatility also suggests
quantum-defectsdiamond-materialsnanoscale-engineeringquantum-computingquantum-sensingmaterials-sciencequantum-technologyUS quantum tech tracks 3D acceleration to boost GPS-free navigation
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a novel quantum-based atom interferometer capable of measuring acceleration in three dimensions (3D), a significant advancement over traditional accelerometers that measure acceleration only in one dimension. The device uses six ultra-thin lasers and tens of thousands of rubidium atoms cooled to near absolute zero to create a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC), placing atoms in a superposition state. By manipulating these atoms with lasers and analyzing their interference patterns, the interferometer can precisely detect acceleration without the aging issues that affect conventional electronic sensors like those used in GPS systems. This compact system, roughly the size of an air hockey table, represents an engineering breakthrough with potential applications in spacecraft, submarines, and vehicles for GPS-free navigation. The researchers employed artificial intelligence to manage the complex laser operations required to split and recombine the atom clouds. Currently, the device can detect accelerations thousands of times smaller than Earth’s gravity, and the team anticipates further improvements. This technology
quantum-technologyatom-interferometer3D-acceleration-measurementnavigation-technologysensorsBose-Einstein-Condensaterubidium-atomsFormer UR president Povlsen joins quantum technology leader
robotquantum-technologycryogenic-systemsclean-energycollaborative-roboticstechnology-leadershipBlueforsCông ty Mỹ khai thác helium-3 trên Mặt Trăng
robotenergyhelium-3lunar-miningspace-resourcesadvanced-reactorsquantum-technology