Scientists have created the world’s first mechanical qubit, a tiny system that stores quantum information using vibrations in a precisely engineered sapphire crystal. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-precise gravity-sensing technology and new methods for maintaining stability in quantum computers.
Qubits are fundamental units of quantum information, which can exist as 0, 1, or a superposition of both due to the principles of quantum mechanics and entanglement. Traditionally, qubits are made from superconducting circuits, charged atoms, or light particles. However, this new mechanical qubit uses phonons, or quasiparticles that carry vibrational energy.
The creation of a mechanical qubit is challenging due to its inherent motion, which makes it difficult to control at the quantum level. Researchers overcame this challenge by creating a “hybrid” system coupling a sapphire crystal resonator with a superconducting qubit. This interaction resulted in unevenly spaced energy levels, known as anharmonicity, allowing researchers to isolate two distinct energy states.
While the mechanical qubit’s fidelity is lower than that of traditional superconducting qubits, it offers unique advantages for sensing forces like gravity and storing quantum information for longer periods. The researchers plan to link multiple mechanical qubits together to perform basic calculations, marking a key step toward practical applications for this technology.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/worlds-1st-mechanical-qubit-uses-no-light-or-electronics-it-could-lead-to-ultra-precise-gravity-sensing-tech