researcher at the Australian National University have acquire a fresh datum storage architecture that could be used to store quantum information as well as connect to traditional fibre optics . This intent could be fundamental in the mental synthesis of a global mesh for quantum data processor , the so - call quantum net .
The study , published inNature Physics , used erbium molecule – a character of rarified Earth material – inside a crystal . This set - up can stash away quantum information for more than one bit , which is 10,000 time long than current devices . It also apply the same bandwidth of fiber optics , so it can now interface with current meshwork .
“ We have show that an atomic number 68 - doped crystal is the perfect material to form the construction blocks of a quantum Internet that will unlock the full potential of future quantum figurer , " say associate professor Matthew Sellars in astatement . " The effort to build a quantum computer is often describe as the place airstream of the twenty-first century . Our oeuvre will allow us to build a worldwide mesh to connect quantum computers . "
Quantum computers rely on the mental synthesis of qubits , the quantum mechanical eq of bits . So far , these are quite delicate and can be easily disrupted , so researchers are struggling to both keep them and transport them with high fidelity . The erbium crystal take in it easier for qubits to be transfer as they go through less hassle .
" At the moment researchers are using retentiveness that do n’t puzzle out at the right wavelength , and have to employ a complicated conversion process to and from the communications wavelength , " explained Dr Rose Ahlefeldt . " This can be inefficient , and signify they have to do three very hard things instead of just one . "
presently , the track record for longest space quantum communication is held by theChinese quantum planet Micius , which was able to use quantum teleportation across 1,400 kilometers ( 870 miles ) . Through fibre optics or melody , the record is around 100 klick ( 62 international mile ) .
Quantum computers declare the promise to revolutionize many theatre of operations of science , since they have the ability to action problems that the most sophisticated supercomputers ca n’t . The field of study has gone through some incredible breakthroughs in the last decade , but it ’s still early days for this technology . There are challenges forwards , but researchers are rising to them .