While traditional computers rely on bits, the basic units of information that can only be 0 or 1, quantum computers operate with qubits. Unlike ordinary bits, qubits can exist as both 0 and 1 at the same time. This unusual behavior, a quantum physics effect called superposition, is what gives quantum computing its extraordinary potential to solve problems that are far beyond the reach of conventional machines.
Most quantum computers today are built using superconducting electronic systems, where electrons move without resistance at extremely low temperatures. Within these systems, carefully engineered resonators allow electrons to form superconducting qubits. These qubits excel at carrying out fast, complex operations, but they are not well-suited for long-term storage. Preserving information in the form of quantum states (mathematical descriptions of specific quantum systems) remains a major challenge. To address this, researchers have been working on creating “quantum memories” that can hold quantum information far longer than standard superconducting qubits.
A team at Caltech has now developed a new hybrid method to extend quantum memory. By converting electrical signals into sound, they enabled quantum states from superconducting qubits to remain stable for up to 30 times longer than with earlier approaches.
The research, led by graduate students Alkim Bozkurt and Omid Golami under the supervision of Mohammad Mirhosseini, assistant professor of electrical engineering and applied physics, was published in Nature Physics.
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