Articles tagged with "qubits"
New 'optical cavity' can make million-qubit quantum computer network
Scientists at Stanford University have developed a novel "optical cavity" technology that efficiently collects single photons emitted by individual atoms, which serve as qubits—the fundamental units of quantum information. This breakthrough enables simultaneous readout of all qubits in a quantum computer, overcoming previous limitations where atoms emitted light too slowly and in all directions, making scalable quantum computing impractical. The team demonstrated an array of 40 cavities each coupled to a single atom, as well as a prototype with over 500 cavities, paving the way toward a million-qubit quantum computer network. Unlike traditional optical cavities formed by two mirrors, the researchers introduced microlenses inside each cavity to tightly focus light on single atoms, reducing the number of light bounces needed while enhancing quantum information retrieval. Their cavity-array microscope platform uses a free-space cavity geometry with intra-cavity lenses, achieving strong, uniform atom-cavity coupling and fast, non-destructive, parallel qubit readout on millisecond timescales. This architecture avoids nanoph
quantum-computingoptical-cavityqubitsquantum-networkphotonicsStanford-researchquantum-informationMicrowaves offer a new way to detect electrons as quantum bits
Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Quantum Computation have developed a novel method to read quantum information stored in electrons suspended above liquid helium, potentially overcoming a major challenge in this unconventional quantum computing platform. Unlike traditional silicon-based qubits, electrons above liquid helium exist in an extremely clean and isolated environment, free from magnetic and chemical disturbances, which could allow qubits to maintain their quantum states for significantly longer durations. However, directly measuring the electron’s spin state is difficult due to its very small magnetic moment, prompting the team to explore indirect readout techniques. The researchers demonstrated that by monitoring transitions of electrons from their ground state to higher-energy Rydberg states, it is possible to infer the quantum state indirectly through changes in quantum capacitance. Using a large ensemble of about 10 million electrons forming a capacitor, they detected measurable shifts in microwave frequency corresponding to these transitions. This experimental validation suggests that similar capacitance changes could be detected at the single-electron level, providing a feasible and non-invasive
quantum-computingqubitselectron-spinliquid-heliumquantum-capacitancemicrowave-detectionquantum-information-storageQubits break long-held quantum limit by evolving in superposed time paths
Researchers from India and Poland have demonstrated that a fundamental quantum limit on temporal correlations, long thought unbreakable, can be surpassed using qubits evolving in superpositions of different time paths. Traditionally, the Leggett–Garg inequality tests whether an object behaves classically or quantum mechanically over time, with quantum systems known to violate this inequality only up to the temporal Tsirelson’s bound (TTB). The new study shows that by allowing a qubit to simultaneously follow two incompatible time evolutions—enabled by quantum superposition—this bound can be exceeded, revealing stronger-than-expected quantum correlations across time. The team implemented their experiment using three qubits in a molecule studied via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). One qubit acted as a controller in a superposition state, directing the target qubit to evolve along two different time paths simultaneously, while the third qubit read out temporal correlations. This setup led to violations of the Leggett–Garg inequality well beyond the TTB,
quantum-computingqubitsquantum-sensorsquantum-mechanicsquantum-technologysuperpositionnuclear-magnetic-resonanceWorld's first 10,000-qubit processor marks 100× quantum scaling leap
QuantWare has announced a groundbreaking advancement in quantum computing with the unveiling of the world’s first 10,000-qubit Quantum Processor Unit (QPU), named VIO-40K. This processor represents a 100-fold increase in qubit count compared to existing commercial quantum processors, which have largely been limited to around 100 qubits for nearly a decade. Unlike previous approaches that linked multiple smaller processors, QuantWare’s new architecture employs a 3D scaling method and chiplet-based design, enabling dense, single-chip quantum computing with improved reliability, performance, and efficiency. The system supports 40,000 input-output lines and high-fidelity chip-to-chip connections, delivering more compute power per dollar and watt than current networked multi-QPU platforms. QuantWare’s innovation is positioned as a new industry standard for scaling superconducting qubit-based quantum processors, with compatibility integrated into its Quantum Open Architecture ecosystem. The company has partnered with NVIDIA to incorporate NVQLink technology, which links quantum and
quantum-computingquantum-processorqubitschiplet-designquantum-hardwarequantum-scalingquantum-fabricationNew superconductor shows quantum edge states tied to Majorana physics
Researchers at IFW Dresden and the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat have discovered a novel form of superconductivity in the crystalline material PtBi₂, characterized by a unique six-fold electron pairing symmetry linked to the crystal’s inherent three-fold symmetry. This topological superconductivity differs fundamentally from previously known types, and notably, PtBi₂ is an intrinsic superconductor that does not require complex engineering or exotic conditions. The material naturally hosts Majorana particles—quasiparticles theorized to behave like “split electrons” and resistant to quantum noise—confined to its edges, which can be generated in controllable numbers by cutting or engineering step edges in the crystal. The researchers explain PtBi₂’s behavior through a four-step process: topological surface states localize electrons on the crystal’s outer layers; these surface electrons become superconducting at low temperatures while the interior remains metallic, creating a “superconductor sandwich”; the electron pairing on the surface exhibits an unprecedented six-fold symmetry with six directions where
materialssuperconductivityquantum-computingMajorana-particlestopological-materialsquantum-technologyqubitsWorld’s most accurate quantum computer breaks 98-qubit barrier
Quantinuum has unveiled Helios, its most advanced quantum computer to date, featuring 98 fully connected qubits and setting new industry records in accuracy and scalability. Helios nearly doubles the qubit count of its predecessor, H2, and achieves single-qubit gate fidelity of 99.9975% and two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.921%, the highest reported in commercial quantum systems. This performance enables Helios to complete complex quantum computations, such as Random Circuit Sampling benchmarks, with energy efficiency far surpassing classical supercomputers, requiring roughly the power of a single data center rack compared to the astronomical energy classical machines would need. The system introduces a novel ion-trap architecture using barium qubits and visible-light lasers, which reduce costs and improve reliability by enabling atomic-level error detection and correction. Its Quantum Charged Coupled Device (QCCD) layout allows parallel cooling, sorting, and computation, enhancing speed and accuracy. Helios also features a real-time control engine
quantum-computingquantum-computerion-trap-architecturequbitshigh-accuracyquantum-hardwarequantum-softwareCat qubits stay stable for over an hour in quantum computing record
French quantum computing startup Alice & Bob has set a new record in qubit stability by demonstrating that their Galvanic Cat qubits can resist bit-flip errors for over an hour, a significant improvement from the previous record of 430 seconds (about seven minutes) achieved in 2024. Bit-flip errors are one of the main challenges in quantum computing, and extending the bit-flip lifetime to this extent marks a crucial step toward practical fault-tolerant quantum machines. The breakthrough was realized through a combination of software optimizations, experimental techniques, and advanced engineering on their latest qubit design, which also powers their 12-qubit Helium 2 chip. This advancement not only surpasses typical cosmic ray impact timescales, suggesting enhanced qubit robustness, but also enables more efficient error-correcting codes that could reduce the hardware requirements for large-scale quantum computers by up to 200 times. Alice & Bob reported bit-flip times between 33 and 60 minutes at a
materialsquantum-computingqubitscat-qubitsfault-tolerant-computingquantum-error-correctionsuperconducting-qubitsNew algorithm solves quantum computer's speed-of-light problem
Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute, MIT, NTNU, and Leiden University have developed a new algorithm called Frequency Binary Search that enables quantum computers to reduce noise in qubits in real time. Noise, or decoherence, is a major challenge for quantum computing because qubits are highly sensitive to tiny environmental changes, which cause errors and disrupt their coherent quantum states. Traditional noise mitigation methods involve extensive measurements and corrections that are often too slow, resulting in delayed noise cancellation and reduced accuracy. The Frequency Binary Search algorithm addresses this by estimating qubit frequency shifts instantly using a Quantum Machines controller equipped with a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which processes data on the spot without sending it to a slower desktop computer. This real-time correction allows simultaneous calibration of many qubits with exponential precision using fewer than ten measurements, a significant improvement over the thousands typically required. By enabling immediate noise correction, this breakthrough brings quantum computers closer to reliable, large-scale operation, potentially unlocking their vast capabilities in fields like
quantum-computingqubitsnoise-reductiondecoherenceFPGAquantum-algorithmquantum-processorsUS finds missing particle that makes quantum computing fully possible
Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have discovered a new class of particles called "neglectons," which could significantly advance universal quantum computing. Traditional quantum computers use qubits that are highly fragile and prone to errors, limiting their reliability. Topological quantum computing, which encodes information in the geometric properties of exotic particles called anyons, offers a promising error-resistant approach. However, the commonly studied Ising anyons only support a limited set of operations (Clifford gates) insufficient for universal quantum computing. USC mathematicians and physicists turned to a less-explored mathematical framework known as non-semisimple topological quantum field theories (TQFTs), which retain components previously discarded as "mathematical garbage" due to their zero quantum trace. These components revealed the neglectons, a new type of anyon that, when combined with Ising anyons, enable universal quantum computation through braiding alone. Notably, only one stationary neglecton is required
quantum-computingquantum-particlesanyonstopological-quantum-computingqubitserror-correctionquantum-informationPhysicists 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-correctionCryo chip runs qubits at -273°C using just 10 microwatts of power
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a cryogenic control chip capable of operating directly alongside quantum bits (qubits) at near absolute zero temperatures (milli-kelvin range) while consuming just 10 microwatts of power. This chip, designed using standard CMOS technology, controls spin qubits—data stored in the magnetic orientation of single electrons—and maintains qubit coherence and fidelity without measurable degradation compared to conventional room-temperature setups. The chip’s low power consumption and minimal noise interference enable scalable quantum computing systems potentially reaching millions of qubits without significant energy increases. Led by Professor David Reilly, the team demonstrated that their cryogenic chip causes negligible fidelity loss in single- and two-qubit operations and does not reduce coherence times, overcoming a major hurdle in building large-scale quantum computers. The research is driving commercial interest, with Emergence Quantum, co-founded by Reilly and Dr. Thomas Ohki, aiming to bring this technology to market. This advance supports efforts to integrate silicon qubits with
energyquantum-computingcryogenic-technologylow-power-electronicssilicon-chipqubitsquantum-controlMeet the companies racing to build quantum chips
quantum-computingquantum-chipstech-startupstechnology-innovationqubitscybersecuritymaterials-science