Like a coffee you can’t finish stirring, a ‘time crystal’ is a strange quantum state of matter than never settles down to equilibrium.
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Articles on Quantum computers
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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.
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.
Quantum communication is needed to make the internet much more secure.
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.
Top contributors
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Howard Wiseman is a Friend of The Conversation.Director, Centre for Quantum Dynamics, Griffith University
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Scientia Professor in Quantum Engineering, UNSW Sydney
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The University of Queensland
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Associate Professor of Physics, Binghamton University, State University of New York
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Regents Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Oklahoma State University
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Assistant professor of embedded systems, optimisation, and control, Trinity College Dublin
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Senior Lecturer in Quantum Engineering, UNSW Sydney
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Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow, The University of Melbourne
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PhD student, The University of Melbourne
