A new method for managing quantum points has been developed, which could potentially lead to significant advancements in the development of quantum computers. Scientists have found a way to control multiple quantum points using just a few control lines, similar to a chessboard. This breakthrough allows for the manipulation of the largest quantum point system to date, offering new possibilities for scaling the number of cubes in quantum systems.
Quantum points are used to store cubes, the essential building blocks of a quantum computer. Currently, each cube requires its own line and specialized electronics for control, unlike modern computer technology where billions of transistors are controlled by just a few thousand lines.
The QUTECH scientific team, consisting of researchers from Delft University and TNO, has developed a method for addressing quantum points that resembles a chessboard. Similar to how positions on a chessboard are determined by a combination of letters (A to C) and numbers (1 to 8), quantum points can be addressed using horizontal and vertical lines. This innovative approach has enabled the team to work with a 4×4 array of 16 quantum points.
Francesco Borsa, the first author of the study, explains that the new method opens up possibilities for scaling to many cubes. While currently, one cube requires one wire for control and reading, addressing millions of cubes would necessitate millions of control lines. However, with this new method, thousands of lines can address millions of cubes, similar to the ratio found in modern computer chips.
Aside from the quantity, the quality of the cubes used in quantum computers is crucial. Menno Veldhorst, the main researcher and the last author of the study, highlights that their team has achieved a control accuracy of 99.992% for such cubes, which is the highest reported for any quantum point system.
Veldhorst concludes by stating that the advancements made in scaling large systems and improving performance are remarkable. However, the question remains whether these chess-like addressing schemes can be expanded and combined to create even larger systems.