English

Researchers develop new techniques for controlling individual qubits using lasers

988
2023-09-12 15:01:26
See translation

Researchers at the University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) have developed a new technique that uses lasers to control individual qubits made from the chemical element barium. The breakthrough is a key step toward realizing the capabilities of quantum computers.

The new technique uses thin glass waveguides to segment and focus laser beams with unprecedented precision. Each focused laser beam can be adjusted independently, making it possible to reliably manipulate individual qubits. Previous methods could not achieve this level of control.

One of the main advantages of the new technology is its ability to limit crosstalk, which is interference between adjacent ions. The researchers were able to reduce the crosstalk to just 0.01 percent of its relative strength, making it one of the best in the quantum world. This means that the laser beam can target specific ions without affecting its neighbors.

The researchers focused on the barium ion, which has the right energy state to be used as the zero and one energy levels of qubits. Unlike other atom types, barium ions can be manipulated using visible green light rather than higher energy ultraviolet light. This allows researchers to take advantage of commercially available optical techniques that were previously unavailable at ultraviolet wavelengths.

The team developed a waveguide circuit that divides a single laser beam into 16 different light channels. Each channel is then sent to its own fibre-based modulator, which individually controls the intensity, frequency and phase of each laser beam. A series of optical lenses are then used to focus the laser beam to a narrow gap.

The researchers monitored each laser beam with precise camera sensors, confirming their precise focusing and control. This highly accurate and flexible control system sets a new standard in academia and industry.

The ultimate goal of this research is to build barium ion quantum processors, because ions are the same natural qubits that do not need to be manufactured. The focus now is on finding ways to effectively control these ions.

Source: Laser Network

Related Recommendations
  • Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics has made progress in the research of interferometer wavefront calibration methods

    Recently, the research team of the High end Optoelectronic Equipment Department at the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has made progress in the study of wavefront calibration methods for interferometer testing. The relevant research results were published in Optics Express under the title of "High precision wavefront correction method ininterometer tes...

    2024-07-23
    See translation
  • Synchrotron X-ray imaging technology

    According to a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, it reveals how early mammals grew and developed during critical periods of their long 'life history'. A research team including Queen Mary University of London used synchrotron X-ray tomography technology to image the growth rings in fossilized tooth roots, in order to infer the lifespan, growth rate, and even sexual maturity t...

    2024-08-15
    See translation
  • Valeo SCALA 3 LiDAR won the "Vehicle Technology and Advanced Mobile Mobility" Innovation Award at the 2024 CES Consumer Electronics Exhibition

    The SCALA 3 LiDAR (Laser Detection and Ranging System), the third generation LiDAR scanner from Valeo, won the "Vehicle Technology and Advanced Mobile Mobility" Innovation Award at the 2024 CES Consumer Electronics Exhibition.The first and second generation Fareo LiDARs SCALA 1 and SCALA 2 have achieved autonomous driving in traffic congestion situations. The third-generation LiDAR SCALA 3 has sig...

    2023-11-22
    See translation
  • New progress in in-situ identification and quantitative research of methane carbon isotopes in the ocean

    Recently, Zhang Xin's research team from the Institute of Oceanography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, based on the in-situ laser Raman spectroscopy technology, made new progress in the in-situ recognition and quantification of methane carbon isotopes by using the significant differences in the Raman spectra of methane carbon isotopes (13CH4 and 12CH4). The relevant results were recently published i...

    2023-10-13
    See translation
  • Amplitude launches femtosecond lasers for industrial applications

    Recently, French femtosecond pulse and high peak power (PW class) laser manufacturer Amplitude announced that the company has launched a newly designed Satsuma X femtosecond laser, setting a new benchmark for industrial environments.This product was first announced in 2022 and is now available in a brand new design with proven durability and versatility. In pursuit of excellence and customer satis...

    2024-07-02
    See translation