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Physics

A new kind of quantum computer chip shows promise for faster and longer calculations

Researchers have created a tiny germanium quantum computer that can perform complex calculations at both low energy costs and long durations.

Illustration: Blue Dot News

1 min read

In a small laboratory, scientists have successfully created a tiny, delicate device called a singlet-triplet qubit in germanium. This qubit is so precise that it can perform calculations with incredible accuracy, but the process of changing its state is slow and sensitive to external influences.

The researchers, led by Dr. Tsoukalas, discovered that they could make the qubit work better by adjusting two key factors: the strength of a magnetic field around it and how quickly it's driven. By carefully tuning these elements, they were able to achieve remarkable results - the qubit performed calculations with an astonishing 99.68% accuracy, and its coherence time (a measure of stability) extended to an incredible 1.9 microseconds.

This breakthrough matters because it brings us one step closer to building more efficient quantum computers. Quantum computers have the potential to solve complex problems that are currently unsolvable by classical computers, which could lead to major advances in fields like medicine, finance, and climate modeling. By improving the performance of germanium-based qubits, researchers can create more powerful and reliable quantum processors that will help unlock these new possibilities.

The people behind the work

  • Tsoukalas K et al.

    Author

    Published in Nature communications

Source: Nature communications

Sources & Verification

Every statement in this story is drawn from the facts below. Each is linked to a primary or reputable source — follow any citation to check it for yourself.

  1. In semiconductor hole spin qubits, low magnetic field (B) operation extends the coherence time ( T2* ) but proportionally reduces the gate speed. Nature communications
  2. In contrast, singlet-triplet (ST) qubits are primarily controlled by the exchange interaction ( J) and can thus maintain high gate speeds even at low B. Nature communications
  3. However, a large J introduces a significant charge component to the qubit, rendering ST qubits more vulnerable to charge noise when driven. Nature communications
  4. Here, we demonstrate a highly coherent ST hole spin qubit in germanium, operating at both low B and low J. Nature communications
  5. By modulating J, we achieve resonant driving of the ST qubit, obtaining an average gate fidelity of 99.68% and a coherence time of T2*=1.9μs . Nature communications
  6. Moreover, by applying the resonant drive continuously, we realize a dressed ST qubit with a tenfold increase in coherence time ( T2ρ*=20.3μs ). Nature communications
  7. Frequency modulation of the driving signal enables universal control, with an average gate fidelity of 99.63%. Nature communications
  8. Our results demonstrate the potential for extending coherence times while preserving high-fidelity control of germanium-based ST qubits, paving the way for more efficient operations in semiconductor-based quantum processors. Nature communications

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