So far researchers have only been able to control a handful of qubits — the basic units of information in a quantum computer. A new approach could help them control millions at a time.
The focus of quantum science has shifted from theoretical physics to the advent of new technologies such as quantum computers. The benefits could be immense, but there are also potential pitfalls.
For 60 years, physicists thought they knew exactly how coherent a laser could get. Now the ultimate quantum limit to laser coherence has been found, and it’s much much bigger than anybody thought.
Wind turbines and solar panels in Southern California.
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Pegor Aynajian, Binghamton University, State University of New York
Generating energy usually means wasted heat. Semiconductors let the electrons flow with zero waste – but so far scientists only know how to get them to work at ultra-low temperatures.
Google claims quantum supremacy – IBM says not so fast. One researcher explains why he doesn’t see quantum computers outpacing classical computers any time soon … and maybe not ever.