Scientists have developed the world’s smallest quantum computer, capable of operating at room temperature without the need for bulky cooling systems. Using a single photon as its qubit, the device is the size of a typical desktop computer, making it a significant step forward in quantum technology.
This quantum system, outlined in a paper published on September 3 in the Journal Physical Review Applied, demonstrates the ability to perform calculations like prime factorization — such as breaking 15 down into 5 and 3. Unlike conventional quantum computers, which rely on superconducting qubits and must be cooled to nearly absolute zero to function, this machine operates at room temperature using light particles.
Photons, or particles of light, have been suggested as an alternative to superconducting qubits in a process known as optical quantum computing. A recent breakthrough in February hinted at the potential of using a single laser pulse to form qubits, paving the way for quantum computers that could function without extreme cooling requirements.
The device stores data in 32 distinct time-bins, or dimensions, within the wave packet of a single photon. This number of dimensions is a world record for information storage in a single qubit, according to Chih-sung Chuu, a professor of quantum optics at Tsing Hua University in Taiwan and the lead author of the study.
Unlike other quantum systems that require trapped-ion qubits or superconducting qubits, which need elaborate cooling or precise lasers to maintain stability, this photon-based quantum computer is far more energy-efficient and cost-effective. Traditional optical quantum computers rely on many photons, but these particles are unpredictable and challenging to manage in large numbers. Chuu and his team, however, compressed vast amounts of data into one stable photon, likening their achievement to transforming a single-person bicycle into a 32-car train.
The next goal is to enhance the data storage capacity of a single photon, enabling it to handle even more intricate computations. Since this system uses photons as qubits, it holds promise for future quantum communication networks and could seamlessly integrate with classical light-based computing systems.
