Nanofiber Fabrication Boosts Quantum Computing
A new approach to fabricating optical nanofibers could enable the next generation of quantum computing.
These ultra-high-transmission fibers, developed by researchers at the University of Maryland’s Joint Quantum Institute, could act as low-power traps for long-lived qubits.
Creating the new nanofibers has proven relatively straightforward, according to the researchers: A fine strand of silica fiber is heated by flame to a near-melting point, then pulled apart, prompting the middle to thin out until it is about 530 nm in diameter.
Light propagates through an optical nanofiber during the pulling process. Courtesy of Joint Quantum Institute at University of Maryland.
Because the fiber is so small, light can leak out in the form of evanescent waves and trap atoms within a few hundred nanometers. The trapped atoms could then be used as qubits, the researchers said.
Building quantum systems is difficult because qubits must be in a superposition of states for information to be encoded. The problem arises when qubits fall out of this state, or decohere, too quickly.
The researchers are continuing their study, next focusing on interfacing trapped atoms with superconducting circuits. They will also work to guide more complicated optical field patterns through the nanofibers as a way of trapping atoms.
The research was published in
AIP Advances (
doi: 10.1063/1.4879799).
For more information, visit
www.jqi.umd.edu.
LATEST NEWS
- Exail Signs LLNL Contract, Partners with Eelume
Apr 26, 2024
- Menlo Moves U.S. HQ: Week in Brief: 4/26/2024
Apr 26, 2024
- Optofluidics Platform Keys Label-, Amplification-Free Rapid Diagnostic Tool
Apr 25, 2024
- DUV Lasers Made with Nonlinear Crystals Enhance Lithography Performance
Apr 25, 2024
- Teledyne e2v, Airy3D Collaborate on 3D Vision Solutions
Apr 24, 2024
- One-Step Hologram Generation Speeds 3D Display Creation
Apr 24, 2024
- Innovation Award Winners for Laser Technology Honored in Aachen
Apr 23, 2024
- Intech 2024: AI Arrives on the Shop Floor
Apr 22, 2024