This one centimeter-sized silicon chip can help to cool down quantum bits.
Quantum computing is a revolutionary technology, but the obstacles to creating viable quantum computers remain significant.
Chipping away at the task is a team of Finnish researchers, who have found a way to cool down quantum bits, or qubits, using a quantum-circuit refrigerator.
"To my understanding, no one else has done a standalone component that can refrigerate a quantum system," Mikko Mttnen, quantum physicist and research team leader at Aalto University, tells ZDNet.
The significance of this development comes down to the fickle nature of qubits. Unlike in traditional computing, where electronic bits are set to a value of zero or one, qubits can simultaneously hold values of zero, one, or both. Consequently, they can carry out more computations in parallel and solve complex big-data problems much faster than today's systems.
But qubits are very sensitive to external perturbations and need to be well isolated, and that isolation can in turn cause them to heat up and result in calculation errors.
Furthermore, every qubit needs to be reset to its low-temperature ground state at the beginning of a computation. If qubits get too hot, they keep switching between different states.
This is where the cooling mechanism of the Finnish research team comes in. Their system works by tunneling single electrons through a 2nm-thick insulator.
By giving the electrons slightly less energy than that required for tunneling, they instead capture the missing energy from the nearby quantum device, which in turn loses energy and cools down.
This approach means most electrical quantum devices, including computers, could be initialised quickly and made more reliable.
So far, the system has been tested by postdoctoral researcher Kuan Yan Tan with qubit-like superconducting resonators, with the results published in scientific journal Nature Communications.
"In the experiments we did with the resonator, the temperature of the resonator we achieved was too high for quantum computer operations. So we have to show we can cool down to even lower temperatures," Mttnen explains.
In addition to this goal, the next steps for the team will be to test the system with actual quantum bits and make its on-off switch faster.
Mttnen estimates that viable practical applications could be possible in a few years' time, but says it is too early to speculate when these applications could turn into commercial products.
Mttnen's team is only one of the many companies and research organisations working on quantum computing, including tech giants Google, IBM and Microsoft. Despite all these efforts, Mttnen remains cautious when pressed about when the world will finally see the first commercial quantum computer.
"It's almost impossible at this stage to say when. But what I can say is it's more likely we will get there at some point than that we don't," Mttnen says.
US Energy Department lab bolsters quantum computing resources
Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory are getting cloud access to a D-Wave 2000Q system, allowing them to explore hybrid computing architectures.
Microsoft deepens University of Sydney quantum research partnership
Microsoft has beefed up its efforts to commercialise quantum computing, giving the university funding for new equipment, staff, and talent, as researchers delve deeper into the underlying technology.
Accenture, 1QBit partner for drug discovery through quantum computing
Accenture and quantum computing startup 1QBit have partnered with pharmaceutical giant Biogen to develop a quantum-enabled molecular comparison application for drug discovery.
IBM aims to commercialize quantum computing, launches API, SDK and sees Q systems in next few years
IBM put some more meat on its roadmap and plans to commercialize quantum computing for enterprises. For now, developers will get APIs and a software developer kit to play with qubits.
Read more:
Finns chill out quantum computers with qubit refrigerator to cut out errors - ZDNet
- Two Quantum Computers Face-Off for the First Time in History! - Interesting Engineering [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Split decision in first-ever quantum computer faceoff | Science | AAAS - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- How to defend against quantum computing attacks - ScienceBlog.com - ScienceBlog.com (blog) [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Researchers Have Directly Tested Two Quantum Computing ... - Futurism [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Scientists reveal new super-fast form of computer that 'grows as it ... - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Andreas Antonopoulos: Bitcoin's Design Can Withstand Quantum Computer Attack - CryptoCoinsNews [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- IBM QISKit Aims to Enable Cloud-basaed Quantum Computation - InfoQ.com [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Legacy of brilliant young scientist is a major leap in quantum ... - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- IBM Q is the first initiative to build commercial quantum computing systems - BetaNews [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- IBM To Commercialize Quantum Computing - ADT Magazine [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Quantum computer learns to 'see' trees - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- David Deutsch and His Dream Machine - The New Yorker [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Quantum computers are here -- but what are they good for? - PCWorld [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- IBM's first commercial quantum computer could shake-up chemistry ... - Chemistry World (subscription) [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Quantum computing takes a massive step forward thanks to ... - TechRadar [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Better than Quantum Computing: The EU Launches a Biocomputer ... - Labiotech.eu (blog) [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- In a few years new Quantum computers from IBM, Google and Microsoft will accelerate breakthroughs in chemistry and ... - Next Big Future [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- Research project successful: Volkswagen IT experts use quantum ... - Automotive World (press release) [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- Rechargeable 'spin battery' promising for spintronics and quantum ... - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2017]
- The First Quantum Computer You Own Could Be Powered by a Time Crystal - Futurism [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2017]
- Microsoft to double headcount of Sydney quantum computing lab ... - Computerworld Australia [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2017]
- Could Time Crystals Hold The Key To Building The First Quantum Computer? - Wall Street Pit [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2017]
- Microsoft boosts Aussie quantum computing team - ARN - ARNnet [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2017]
- Will Google Be The First To Achieve Quantum Computing Supremacy? - Wall Street Pit [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2017]
- Computing on the boundary between conventional and quantum - Electronics Weekly [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2017]
- Quantum cryptography - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2017]
- Beyond classical computing without fault-tolerance: Looking for the ... - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing | D-Wave Systems [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2017]
- quantum computer - WIRED [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2017]
- World's First Quantum Computer Is Here - Wall Street Pit - Wall Street Pit [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2017]
- China adds a quantum computer to high-performance computing arsenal - PCWorld [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2017]
- The Quantum Computer Revolution Is Closer Than You May Think - National Review [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2017]
- China builds five qubit quantum computer sampling and will scale to 20 qubits by end of this year and could any beat ... - Next Big Future [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2017]
- Researchers seek to advance quantum computing - The Stanford Daily [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- New Materials Could Make Quantum Computers More Practical - Tom's Hardware [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Nanofridge could keep quantum computers cool enough to calculate - New Scientist [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Home News Computer Europe Takes Quantum Computing to the Next Level With this Billion Euro... - TrendinTech [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Demands a Whole New Kind of Programmer - Singularity Hub [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Refrigerator for quantum computers discovered - Science Daily [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Scientists Invent Nanoscale Refrigerator For Quantum Computers - Wall Street Pit [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- IBM builds two new Quantum Computing processors - Enterprise Times [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Quantum Computers Sound Great, But Who's Going to Program Them? - TrendinTech [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- IBM makes a leap in quantum computing power - PCWorld [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- IBM's Newest Quantum Computing Processors Have Triple the Qubits of Their Last - Futurism [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2017]
- IBM scientists demonstrate ballistic nanowire connections, a potential future key component for quantum computing - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2017]
- The route to high-speed quantum computing is paved with error | Ars ... - Ars Technica UK [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Researchers push forward quantum computing research - The ... - Economic Times [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- US playing catch-up in quantum computing - The Register-Guard [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- IBM Q Offers Quantum Computing as a Service The Merkle - The Merkle [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Graphene Just Brought Us One Step Closer to Practical Quantum Computers - Futurism [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- How quantum computing increases cybersecurity risks | Network ... - Network World [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Is the US falling behind in the race for quantum computing? - AroundtheO [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Artificial intelligence and quantum computing aid cyber crime fight - Financial Times [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Google Plans to Demonstrate the Supremacy of Quantum ... - IEEE Spectrum [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Top 5: Things to know about quantum computers - TechRepublic [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- AI and Quantum Computers Are Our Best Weapons Against Cyber Criminals - Futurism [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Scientists claim to have invented the world's first quantum-proof ... - ScienceAlert [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Microsoft, Purdue Tackle Topological Quantum Computer - HPCwire - HPCwire (blog) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- MIT Just Unveiled A Technique to Mass Produce Quantum Computers - Futurism [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Here's How We Can Achieve Mass-Produced Quantum Computers - ScienceAlert [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Research collaborative pursues advanced quantum computing - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Telstra just wants a quantum computer to offer as-a-service - ZDNet [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- D-Wave partners with U of T to move quantum computing along - Financial Post [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2017]
- Doped Diamonds Push Practical Quantum Computing Closer to Reality - Motherboard [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]
- Team develops first blockchain that can't be hacked by quantum computer - Siliconrepublic.com [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]
- Are Enterprises Ready to Take a Quantum Leap? - IT Business Edge [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- Scientists May Have Found a Way to Combat Quantum Computer Blockchain Hacking - Futurism [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- Microsoft and Purdue work on scalable topological quantum computer - Next Big Future [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- From the Abacus to Supercomputers to Quantum Computers - Duke Today [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- Quantum Computers Will Analyze Every Financial Model at Once - Singularity Hub [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Technologies markets will reach $10.7 billion by 2024 - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- KPN CISO details Quantum computing attack dangers - Mobile World Live [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Get ahead in quantum computing AND attract Goldman Sachs - eFinancialCareers [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Toward optical quantum computing - MIT News [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- Quantum Machine Learning Computer Hybrids at the Center of New Start-Ups - TrendinTech [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2017]
- Israel Enters Quantum Computer Race, Placing Encryption at Ever-Greater Risk - Sputnik International [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2017]
- Prototype device enables photon-photon interactions at room ... - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2017]
- The Quantum Computer Factory That's Taking on Google and IBM - WIRED [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2017]
- 6 Things Quantum Computers Will Be Incredibly Useful For - Singularity Hub [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Volkswagen buys D-Wave quantum computers which sell for $15 million each - Robotics and Automation News (press release) (registration) [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2017]