Scientists have taken a big step in quantum computing by successfully teleporting key parts of a quantum processor across different computers. This shows that it’s possible to spread quantum technology without losing its effectiveness.
The test took place within just two meters inside an Oxford University lab. Even this short distance highlights that quantum technology could be scaled up by linking systems through a sort of “quantum internet.”
So, what is teleportation in this context? It’s a unique phenomenon in quantum physics. In the quantum world, particles can exist in multiple states at once until someone measures them. This is where entanglement comes into play. When particles are entangled, changes to one can influence the other, even if they are far apart.
In this experiment, researchers managed to transfer the quantum state of one particle to another located a short distance away. While it isn’t the sci-fi teleportation that sends people across space in an instant, it’s a practical method for transmitting information needed for quantum computing.
Lead researcher Dougal Main from Oxford explained that past studies focused on moving quantum states between separate systems. Their recent work aimed to create interactions between these distant systems instead.
Unlike classical computers that use simple on/off switches to handle bits of information, quantum computers operate with qubits. Qubits can hold various possibilities at the same time, generally associated with properties of particles like atoms. For these systems to operate effectively, many particles must be entangled in a controlled manner. This makes the process complex, as it requires maintaining fragile quantum states free from disturbance.
One idea for scaling quantum processors is to connect smaller systems into a larger “quantum supercomputer.” However, sending quantum information via light can easily lead to errors, making it less reliable.
In contrast, teleportation sends the necessary measurements in a more traditional way, using binary data. Once the data is received, adjustments can be made to entangled particles at the receiving end so they resemble the original state.
In this Oxford experiment, the teleported quantum state matched the original with an 86% accuracy. This was sufficient to perform a basic task known as Grover’s algorithm, achieving a 71% success rate across two quantum processors.
According to Main, interconnecting these quantum modules using light-based links adds significant flexibility. This means the system can be upgraded or modified without needing to shut down the whole setup.
This kind of adaptable quantum network could open up new applications. It may even allow physicists to probe the fundamental laws of nature in ways previously thought impossible.
This exciting research appears in Nature.
