Quantum systems leap towards longer lifespans

Ones and zeros are the most relevant numbers for anyone using a computer, cellphone, modern cable . . . the list goes on. In the modern world, the binary code has become nearly synonymous with computing. However, this may change in the near future. Quantum computing may soon burst into the scene, as it is inching out of the foggy realm of theory into a world of mainstream usage.

Scientists in the UK, Germany and Canada have developed a quantum system that can function for much longer periods of time than previous systems, by several orders of magnitude. At room temperature, the previously used systems last two seconds; this new one stays around for 39 minutes. The practical value of this invention is a huge leap in the development of functional quantum computing.

Atomic nuclei have a property of “spin,” which can be interpreted as up or down. This fundamental component is similar to the binary computation of ones and zeros. In polarized magnetic fields, the spin of a given atom can be adjusted to either spin condition or, most interestingly, to angles between the two points.

This has the advantage over conventional computing in that a given atom can be superimposed between up and down spin, meaning it simultaneously occupies both states, allowing one atom to be involved in multiple calculations at the same time and amplifying the number of calculations a quantum system can perform to a prodigious degree.

In addition, the rotation of a given atom flips naturally once every 1/100,000 seconds, or 100,000 rotations per second. Essentially, quantum computers will not only be faster than today’s computers, but because they can run operations in parallel, the volume of information that can be generated is immense.

This project has directed development in a very promising direction, but the experiments aren’t perfect. While 39 minutes is great improvement over a few seconds, the system isn’t robust enough to permanently maintain activity. Furthermore, the time and energy needed to produce the system drastically exceeds the amount of time the system is potentially viable.

In addition to these practical problems, scientists still need to figure out how to generate different quantum states in the system. Now, the necessary experimental conditions use magnetic fields that force all the atoms of the system to be in the same quantum state. This dramatically limits information exchange. Designing a system that allows for each atom to exist in an independent quantum state and communicate information about its state to neighboring atoms is still a huge hurdle.

Regardless of these shortcomings, quantum science continues to benefit the human condition in subtle, yet important, ways. The applications of quantum computing are limitless and they have huge promise for the development of new thermodynamic, biochemical, and economic models. When the quantum leap hits, be ready to jump over.