World-first Pinpointing of Atoms at Work for Quantum Computers
June 8, 2016 | University of MelbourneEstimated reading time: 1 minute
It's now possible to track and see individual phosphorus atoms in a silicon crystal allowing confirmation of quantum computing capability but which also has use in nano detection devices.
Quantum computing has the potential for enormous processing power in the future. Your current laptop has transistors that use a binary code, an on or off state (bits). But tomorrow’s quantum computer will use quantum bits ‘qubits’, which have multiple states.
Professor Lloyd Hollenberg, at the University of Melbourne and Deputy Director of the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, led an international investigation on the fundamental building blocks of silicon based solid-state quantum processors.
His collaborators Professor Sven Rogge and Centre Director Professor Michelle Simmons at the University of New South Wales, obtained atomic-resolution images from a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) allowing the team to precisely pinpoint the location of atoms in the silicon crystal lattice.
"The atomic microscope images are remarkable and sensitive enough to show the tendrils of an electron wave function protruding from the silicon surface. The theory is now visible, this is a world first,’ said Professor Hollenberg.
Lead author of the paper recently published in Nature Nanotechnology, Dr Muhammad Usman from the University of Melbourne said: ‘The images showed a dazzling array of symmetries that seemed to defy explanation, but when the quantum state environment is taken into account, suddenly the images made perfect sense.’
The teams from University of Melbourne, UNSW and Purdue University USA are part of the world-leading research at the Centre focused on the demonstration of the fundamental building blocks of a silicon-based solid-state quantum processor.
In 2015, the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology was included in the Prime Minister’s Innovation and Science Agenda—a significant undertaking by the Federal Government also supported by a combined $20m investment commitment from Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank.
Suggested Items
Zentech’s Board of Directors Announces the Return of Matt Turpin as President and CEO
04/22/2024 | Zentech ManufacturingTurpin draws upon over 35 years of experience in the electronics industry and has an 18-year history with Zentech. He previously served as President and CEO from 2006 to 2019 after which time he has remained active in the EMS industry as an advisor to Zentech and other industry organizations.
SEMI Talent Forum 2024 to Help Build Next-Generation Chip Industry Workforce
04/09/2024 | SEMIPost-graduates and onboarding talent will connect with local companies to explore semiconductor industry career paths and employment opportunities at the SEMI Talent Forum, May 1, 2024 at the University of Swansea.
Indium Corporation Technical Manager to Present at SMTA Taiwan Tech Forum
03/12/2024 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation Senior Area Technical Manager Jason Chou will present at the SMTA Taiwan Tech Forum on March 26 in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Chou’s presentation will highlight the growing demand for high reliability and low-temperature solder solutions brought on by the rapidly developing electric vehicle (EV) and artificial intelligence (AI) industries.
Fujitsu, Delft University of Technology Establish New Quantum Lab
01/26/2024 | JCN NewswireFujitsu and Delft University of Technology today announced the establishment of the Fujitsu Advanced Computing Lab Delft at Delft University of Technology, an industry-academia collaboration hub dedicated to the development of quantum computing technologies.
Foundations of the Future: Awarding Scholarships and Awards in 2023
01/24/2024 | IPC Education Foundation -- Column: Foundations of the FutureProviding scholarships and awards to hard-working students who excel academically, demonstrate a commitment to electronics manufacturing, and are active members of the IPC student network, supports the overall mission of the IPC Education Foundation, which is to develop a talent pipeline for the industry.