The miniaturization of quantum computers is progressing rapidly, and researchers have just taken a new step by developing a quantum computer based on a single photon, promising to revolutionize the field.
A photon for computing? That's the challenge addressed by Taiwanese scientists, who have developed a machine capable of performing calculations using light, without the need for extreme cooling.
Traditional quantum computers use qubits capable of quantum superposition, but they require temperatures close to absolute zero, a major obstacle. This new device proposes an innovative photonic approach: a single photon, guided in an optical fiber, stores and processes data in 32 different quantum states, thereby eliminating the need for extreme temperatures.
Photonics technology offers a more energy-efficient alternative, without the bulk of massive quantum refrigerators. This prototype paves the way for compact quantum computers suitable for standard environments.
Compared to qubits based on trapped ions, this device is more stable. These qubits are very sensitive to disturbances and require sophisticated cooling systems and lasers. In this new computer, the size of a box, light handles the computation, and its 32 quantum states greatly increase its processing power while remaining miniaturized.
The potential applications are vast. This innovation could transform fields such as logistics, artificial intelligence, data security, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Further advancements are expected. The team hopes to further increase the computing capacity to tackle more complex problems, while developing quantum communication networks.
What is a quantum computer?
A quantum computer uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations in a fundamentally different way from classical computers. Unlike bits, which take the value 0 or 1, qubits exploit phenomena such as superposition, allowing them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This ability enables parallel data processing, unattainable by classical systems.
Qubits take advantage of entanglement, a phenomenon where two qubits, even when far apart, remain connected. If the state of one changes, the other instantly adjusts, regardless of the distance. Thanks to this interconnection, a quantum computer can handle complex calculations, such as molecular modeling or encryption, requiring exponential power.
For a quantum computer to be efficient, the qubits must remain stable. Most systems require temperatures near absolute zero (-459°F [-273°C]) to limit disturbances, which entails costly and bulky infrastructure. However, new approaches like photonic computing, which uses photons at room temperature, offer promising solutions to make this technology more accessible.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND