Central Idea

Quantum computing and artificial intelligence are emerging fields in computing.
IBM recently published a paper demonstrating the potential of quantum computers to solve complex problems.
Qubits are the fundamental units of information in quantum computers.

Qubits – Basic Units of Information in Quantum Computing

Qubits are the building blocks of quantum computers.
Unlike classical computers, qubits can exist in superposition, representing both ‘on’ and ‘off’ states simultaneously.
Quantum physics allows particles, such as electrons, to exhibit unique properties for qubit representation.
The encoding of information in a quantum system enables complex calculations beyond the reach of classical computers.
Different types of quantum computing employ various units of information, such as photons in linear optical quantum computing (LOQC).

Researchers explore the possibility of using phonons as qubits.
Phonons are packets of vibrational energy, analogous to sound.
A recent study published in Science suggests that phonons can serve as information units in a quantum computer.
Manipulating phonons requires new tools, leading to the development of an acoustic beam-splitter.
Beam-splitters, widely used in optics research, split a stream of photons into two beams.

Beam-splitters operate on the principles of quantum physics.
The interaction of photons with beam-splitters creates interference patterns.
Interference patterns also emerge when shining photons one by one, highlighting wave-particle duality.
Phonons, like photons, exhibit wave-like behavior and exist in a superposition of states.
When a phonon interacts with the acoustic beam-splitter, it undergoes superposition and produces interference patterns.

Researchers developed an acoustic beam-splitter device with metal bars.
The experiment involved a two-mm-long channel of lithium niobate with superconducting qubits at each end.
Phonons were emitted and detected by the qubits, representing the collective vibrations of numerous atoms.
The interaction between phonons and the beam-splitter showed similar behavior to photon interactions.
Phonons emitted from one side were reflected or transmitted, depending on the experiment.

The study confirms that phonons behave according to quantum mechanics.
Building a functional phonon-based quantum computer is a significant challenge.
Researchers view this as an extension of the quantum computing toolbox.
Future advancements and research will continue to explore the potential of phonons in quantum computing.

Phonons have shown promise as potential information units for quantum computing.
The study highlights the need for further research and development in this area.
While a functional phonon-based quantum computer is still a distant goal, the exploration of new possibilities in quantum computing continues.