Communications of the ACM
Connecting the (Quantum) Dots
This graphic displays spin qubits within a nanowire.
Credit: University of Pittsburgh News
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Delft University of Technology have developed a method that better preserves qubits for use in quantum computers.
The researchers say that hole spins, rather than electron spins, can keep quantum bits in the same physical state up to 10 times longer than before. The holes within hole spins are empty spaces left when electrons are taken out, notes Pittsburgh professor Sergey Frolov.
The researchers used extremely thin filaments made of indium antimonide nanowires to create a transistor-like device that could transform the electrons into holes. They then precisely placed one hole in a nanoscale box called a quantum dot and controlled the spin of that hole using electric fields.
"Our research shows that holes, or empty spaces, can make better spin qubits than electrons for future quantum computers," Frolov says.
He notes the approach is far more advantageous than magnetic control, which has typically been employed until now.
"To create a viable quantum computer, the demonstration of long-lived quantum bits, or qubits, is necessary," Frolov says. "With our work, we have gotten one step closer."
From University of Pittsburgh News
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