English

Researchers develop new techniques for controlling individual qubits using lasers

971
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
  • Trends and Reflections on the Laser Industry in 2025

    In 2024, the laser industry will still reach new heights, although some predicted concerns have been fulfilled! From beginning to end, the development path of the manufacturing industry has been full of uncertainty, but as time passes and we enter a new year, new technologies continue to emerge like mushrooms after rain.In 2025, practitioners in the laser and manufacturing industries still face ma...

    01-02
    See translation
  • Due to breakthroughs in microchip photonics, microwave signals have now become very accurate

    Zhao Yun/Columbia Engineering Company provided an advanced schematic of a photonic integrated chip, which aims to convert high-frequency signals into low-frequency signals using all optical frequency division.Scientists have built a small all optical device with the lowest microwave noise ever recorded on integrated chips.In order to improve the performance of electronic devices used for global n...

    2024-04-01
    See translation
  • IPG Q1 revenue of $252 million, co-founder and new CEO of Jiaobang

    Recently, IPG Photonics, a high-performance fiber laser supplier in the United States, released its first quarter financial report as of March 31, 2024.The financial report shows that IPG Photonics revenue in the first quarter was 252 million US dollars, a year-on-year decrease of 27%; The net profit was 19 million US dollars, a year-on-year decrease of 75%. The change in foreign exchange rate res...

    2024-05-07
    See translation
  • Luxiner launches modular laser processing solution Multiscan HE

    Recently, Luxiner, the leading brand in the field of laser technology in the UK, announced the launch of MultiSCAN ®  The latest members of CO2 laser systems - Multiscan HE 10i, 15i, and 25i. These new systems are presented in a completely independent form, integrating power, PC, and software, providing users with comprehensive solutions.The Multiscan HE 10i, 15i, and 25i not only inherit the indu...

    2024-06-07
    See translation
  • Shanghai Institute of Optics and Mechanics has made progress in studying the structure and properties of aluminum phosphate glass

    Recently, Hu Lili, a research team of the High Power Laser Unit Technology Laboratory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, used a method combining experiment, molecular dynamics simulation and quantitative structure property relationship analysis (QSPR) to study aluminum phosphate glass, and the related research results were published in the Journal o...

    2023-09-15
    See translation