Quantum Computing: New era computers

Recently, IBM published a paper in which it claimed to have demonstrated that a ‘quantum computer ‘could solve problem using technology and are expected to perform complicated calculations that are out of reach of the best supercomputers today.

• A physicist at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and his team are trying to make ‘a Phonon based computer’. 

Key-findings of the study:

• The team found that photons interact with the comb just like phonons interact with an optical beam-splitter.
• The researchers developed an acoustic beam-splitter – a tiny device resembling a comb, with 16 metal bars jutting out of it. 
• It was placed in the middle of a 2-mm-long channel of lithium niobate. 
• Each end of the channel had a superconducting qubit – a qubit whose circuit components were superconducting – that could both emit and detect individual phonons.
• The whole setup was maintained at an ultra-low temperature.
• If these phonons were converted to sound, their frequency would be too high for humans to hear. 

What are phonons?

• Photons are packets of light energy; similarly, phonons are ‘packets of vibrational energy’. 
• The researchers can manipulate electrons using electric currents, magnetic fields, etc., and they can manipulate photons with mirrors, lenses, etc. 

What is a beam-splitter?

• Beam-splitters are used widely in optics research. Imagine a torchlight shining light along a straight line.
• This is basically a stream of photons. 
• When a beam-splitter is placed in the light’s path, it will split the beam into two: i.e. it will reflect 50% of the photons to one side and let the other 50% pass straight through.

About Quantum Technology:

• Quantum technology is a class of technology that works by using the principles of quantum mechanics (the physics of sub-atomic particles), including quantum entanglement and quantum superposition.
• Example-Smartphone is a type of quantum technology – its semiconductors use quantum physics to work.

National Quantum Mission: 

• Duration: Eight years
• Verticals: The mission involving research institutions and industry will have four verticals ;

• • three on quantum computing, communication and sensing
  • and fourth one on developing novel materials and devices that would aid in the three core programmes

• Aim: To accelerate quantum technology-led economic growth and nurture the ecosystem in the country.
• The new mission targets developing intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in eight years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.
• Global race: India will be the seventh country to have a dedicated quantum mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada and China.
• All these countries are also at the R&D stage.