New super-pure silicon chip opens path to powerful quantum computers
A groundbreaking new technique in engineering ultra-pure silicon has paved the way for the development of powerful quantum computers on a large scale with unprecedented accuracy, according to researchers. The innovative approach, detailed in a recent publication in Communication Materials by Nature journal, involves the implantation of qubits of phosphorus atoms into crystals of pure stable silicon. This breakthrough could potentially address a significant challenge in quantum computing by extending the duration of fragile quantum coherence, a crucial aspect for error-free calculations.
Professor David Jamieson from the University of Melbourne, who co-supervised the project, emphasized the importance of robust quantum coherence in enhancing computational efficiency. He highlighted that the ability of quantum computers to solve complex problems in a fraction of the time required by conventional computers, including supercomputers, could revolutionize various fields such as artificial intelligence, secure data transmission, drug development, and energy optimization.
The utilization of ultra-pure silicon in constructing high-performance qubit devices is a critical step toward the realization of scalable quantum computers, as explained by Professor Richard Curry from the University of Manchester. By harnessing the unique properties of silicon as a semiconductor, the researchers aimed to create a foundational component for silicon-based quantum computing that could potentially transform society.
Lead author Ravi Acharya, a Cookson Scholar jointly affiliated with the University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne, underscored the advantage of leveraging silicon chips for quantum computing due to their compatibility with existing computer chip technologies. The emphasis on high-quality silicon fabrication was identified as a key factor in unlocking the full potential of silicon-based quantum devices, enabling enhanced quantum coherence and reduced error rates.
The process of purifying silicon to ultra-high levels involved a focused beam of pure silicon-28 targeted at a silicon chip to replace the silicon-29 atoms. By reducing silicon-29 impurities from 4.5 percent to two parts per million, the researchers achieved a significant advancement in silicon purity crucial for sustaining quantum coherence. This breakthrough could lead to the development of reliable quantum computers capable of outperforming current supercomputers in specific applications with just 30 qubits.
The research, supported by funding from the Australian and UK governments, exemplifies the global efforts toward advancing quantum computing technology. With the potential to create thousands of jobs and generate billions in revenue by 2040, quantum computing is poised to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and economic growth. As researchers continue to refine the purity of silicon and enhance quantum coherence in qubits, the prospects for achieving transformative quantum computations are becoming increasingly promising.
