Physicists at the University of New South Wales have used a thought-provoking approach inspired by Erwin Schrödinger’s “Schrödinger’s cat” to detect errors in quantum computers. The concept, derived from the famous thought experiment in 1925, involves superposition – a phenomenon where a quantum particle can exist in multiple physical states simultaneously.
In the original thought experiment, a cat is placed in a box with a radioactive sample and a Geiger counter. If the Geiger counter detects radiation, the cat’s fate is sealed. The key insight here is that, until observed, the cat exists in a superposition of states – both alive and dead at the same time.
Researchers have adapted this principle to develop a new method for detecting errors in quantum computers. They use an antimony atom, with its eight possible spin directions, as their “cat.” This allows them to tolerate more errors than traditional qubits, which only exist in two quantum states.
By embedding the antimony atom within a silicon chip, the researchers can precisely control its quantum state and correct errors quickly before they accumulate. This technology has the potential to be scaled up using existing methods for building computer chips, paving the way for more robust and reliable quantum computing systems.
Source: https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/materials/schrodingers-cat-quantum-computer