Quantum entanglement has fascinated people since Einstein called it “spooky action at a distance.” Today, it’s a key player in quantum computing. While these computers are still developing, entanglement enables them to tackle tasks that traditional computers can’t, like simulating complex molecules or drugs.
Recent research in Science has demonstrated quantum entanglement between two atomic nuclei separated by just 20 nanometers. This may seem tiny, but it’s a major step forward. The approach we used could lead to more reliable quantum computers using precise systems designed for storing quantum information.
Balancing Control and Noise
Quantum computer engineers face a tough challenge. They have to shield the delicate computing parts from noise while still allowing them to function well. Currently, different types of quantum hardware have strengths and weaknesses. Some are fast but noisy; others are quiet but hard to scale up for practical use.
Connecting Atomic Nuclei
To create practical quantum systems, we aim to connect multiple atomic nuclei. Until now, the standard method involved placing these nuclei very close together, surrounded by a single electron. While electrons are much smaller than atomic nuclei, quantum physics states they can “spread out” and interact with several nuclei. However, controlling each nucleus when they’re grouped with others has been tricky.
Imagine each nucleus is a person in a soundproof room. They can easily communicate when they’re all together. But if you want to include more people, the rooms get crowded, making communication harder.
In our new work, we’ve equipped these atomic “people” with “telephones”—electrons that connect them over distance. This means nuclei can interact even when they’re far apart, expanding our ability to entangle multiple nuclei at once.
A Breakthrough in Quantum Computing
The experiment involved phosphorus nuclei, which were only 20 nanometers apart—less than the number of silicon atoms separating them. This distance is crucial; it aligns with how we fabricate silicon transistors, meaning we can potentially fit our quantum technology into existing electronics.
A mere 20 nanometers away, we have achieved this entanglement for the first time in silicon. This could pave the way for integrating quantum devices into everyday technology like smartphones and computers.
The Road Ahead
Our work opens up the possibility for enhanced quantum computers that can provide more stable and efficient calculations. Recent data suggests that quantum computing could increase processing speeds by over 100 times compared to classical computers for specific tasks.
As we push to improve our methods, we can anticipate even greater distances for entanglement, which would expand the capabilities of quantum systems further.
Quantum entanglement is no longer just a scientific curiosity; it’s becoming a cornerstone for the future of technology. This research is a stepping stone toward realizing the long-held dream of practical quantum computers that could transform industries from healthcare to finance.
For further reading, check out the original article here.
Andrea Morello is a Professor of Quantum Nanosystems at UNSW Sydney.
