Scientists have high hopes for quantum computers that uses the phenomena of quantum superposition and quantum entanglement for data processing and data transmission. But so far nobody has been able to create a quantum memory chips. Employees of the California Institute of technology first managed to create a microprocessor capable of storing quantum information in the form of light qubits. Experts believe this is a very important step, because such chips will allow the technology of quantum computing a step far ahead.
The chip contains an array of memory modules with a size of 15 0.7 micrometer. Each module includes an optical element that traps and holds the photon inside. Before starting work, the chip is cooled to the temperature -272,7 degrees Celsius, after which the researchers activated the laser for delivery of photons to the memory modules. The modules are able to retain photons for 75 nanoseconds and then the light went on. The information contained in the photons was tested to match original. Error percentage the results of the experiment amounted to only 3%.
In the traditional computer memory unit of information “bit” is either a unit or zero. Quantum computers work with information, presented in the form of qubits – “quantum bits”. Unlike bits, qubits can be only zero or one, but both. And this, in turn, allows to store and process information more efficiently. A team of researchers from the California Institute of technology published their findings in the journal Science.
Scientists have created the first quantum microchip memory
Sergey Grey