Researchers achieve breakthrough in quantum computers

Quantum computers promise an unrivalled level of computing power, the like of which has never before been possible. However, there are still some challenges to solve. In order to exploit the potential of these next generation computers, scientists need to find a way of combining qubits on a large scale. Researchers from IBM Research Zurich in Rüschlikon in the canton of Zurich and the University of Basel have now made a new breakthrough in this area. Quantum bits, or qubits for short, represent the basis of future quantum computers.

The research group has developed silicon-based qubits, which according to a press release are based on “holes” and whose spin direction is able to store information. They are arranged in an architecture based on silicon transistors, which are also used in conventional computers.

“Our approach of building on existing silicon technology puts us close to industry practice”, comments Andreas Kuhlmann, who works as a professor at the University of Basel. The fact that the researchers can make use of a proven technology makes the prospect of scaling up to very large numbers of qubits a distinct possibility, the press release states.

Another major problem for scalability has, up to now, been the extremely low temperature in which qubit systems have to operate. The researchers have made progress on this aspect as well. “We have overcome the 4 kelvin-mark with our qubits, reaching the boiling point of liquid helium. Here we can achieve much greater cooling power, which allows for integration of state-of-the-art cryogenic control technology”, explains Doctoral student Simon Geyer, one of the lead authors of the study.

According to the press release, the samples were created at the IBM Research Zurich laboratory in Rüschlikon. The organization is a partner of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR SPIN), which is based at the University of Basel.