The successful coupling of two distinct quantum systems by the Vienna University of Technology researchers open the door for the production of viable quantum-computer microchips.
The research team comprising Johannes Majer and his colleagues has combined two totally distinct quantum systems that include diamond and microwaves in order to couple the benefits of both the systems. Quantum computers can achieve several possible solutions for a problem concurrently, as it could engage in various distinct states at the same time. However, quantum data is delicate and can be easily damaged.
The Quantum Chip with dark diamond and microwave resonator
To build a quantum computer, the components should have the capability to alter its state quickly and should retain its quantum state for a considerable time to enable computations. A standard computer comprises a memory and a processor. The rapid calculations are performed by the processor and the resulting solutions are stored for a longer period by the memory.
The research team developed a similar system by coupling a microwave resonator with a thin diamond layer on a single quantum chip where quantum states can be stored. The photons in the microwave regime define the quantum state of the microwave resonator that could be responsible for rapid manipulations.
Diamonds must be flawless and pure for designing jewelry, but not so for quantum experiments. The entry of nitrogen atoms into the standard carbon structure of diamond turns it almost black and makes it to store the quantum states.
Vienna University of Technology’s Robert Amsüss stated that in the quantum chip developed by the research team, quantum states can be shifted between the diamond’s nitrogen-centers and the microwaves. The stability of the memory of the diamond increases with the presence of more number of nitrogen atoms in the quantum data transfer, he added. Johannes Majer stated that the atomic nuclei’s angular momentum can also store quantum data, which paves the way to the development of a nuclear memory device. However, the existing form of the diamond quantum chip should be maximized.