Home
Science
Science News
Missing Photonic Link to Enable All Silicon 'Quantum Internet' Identified by Researchers

Missing Photonic Link to Enable All-Silicon 'Quantum Internet' Identified by Researchers

Developing quantum technology using silicon would allow for the development of rapidly scalable quantum computers.

By Edited by Gadgets 360 Newsdesk | Updated: 14 July 2022 14:04 IST

Missing Photonic Link to Enable All-Silicon 'Quantum Internet' Identified by Researchers

Photo Credit: IBM

IBM introduced quantum computers over the cloud back in 2016

Click Here to Add Gadgets360 As A Trusted Source

Highlights

Scalable quantum computers and internet could be created using silicon
A quantum computer uses qubits to run multidimensional quantum algorithms
Silicon can be used to make some of the most stable and long-lived qubits

Scalable quantum computers and a ‘quantum internet' using silicon could be much easier to develop using existing technology, thanks to a new study by researchers at Simon Fraser University. In a major breakthrough in the development of quantum technology, the researchers describe their observations of silicon ‘T centre' photon-spin qubits. The research helps to pave the way for opportunities to create massively scalable quantum computers, as well as the infrastructure for a quantum internet, according to the study.

Earlier, research has suggested that the silicon could be used to make some of the most stable and long-lived qubits in the industry. A quantum computer uses qubits to run multidimensional quantum algorithms, unlike a traditional computer. In addition, the development of quantum computers also requires communication technology that will help link the qubits together at a much larger scale.

Published in Nature, the study describes how T centres, a specific luminescent defect in silicon, can offer a photonic link between qubits. “This work is the first measurement of single T centres in isolation, and actually, the first measurement of any single spin in silicon to be performed with only optical measurements,” said Stephanie Simmons, Canada Research Chair in Silicon Quantum Technologies.

Scientists Link Two Time Crystals for the First Time

Simmons explained that an emitter like the T centre combines high-performance spin qubits and optical photon generation that can facilitate the production of scalable and distributed quantum computers. These are capable of handling both processing and communications together rather than needing two different quantum technologies, Simmons added.

The T centres can come in handy as they emit light of a wavelength that is currently used in metropolitan fibre communications and telecom networking equipment. “With T centres, you can build quantum processors that inherently communicate with other processors. When your silicon qubit can communicate by emitting photons in the same band used in data centres and fibre networks, you get these same benefits for connecting the millions of qubits needed for quantum computing,” highlighted Simmons.

Researchers Develop Photonic Materials for Efficient Light-Based Computing

Researchers believe that drumming up a method to create quantum computing processors using silicon will enable them to use the existing knowledge and infrastructure rather than develop a new industry for quantum manufacturing.

Noise co-founder Amit Khatri joins Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, for a special episode. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.

Comments

Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.