Researchers at the University of Waterloo have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum computing, demonstrating the ability to precisely measure and reset a trapped ion qubit without disturbing neighboring qubits just a few micrometers away. This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for the development of advanced quantum processors and the implementation of error correction in quantum simulations.
Beating Quantum Information into Submission
This means the protection of quantum information is arduous due to its fragility. The continuous-variable encoding of protected qubits can be conserved even during state-destroying measurements and resets, which are essential for controlled quantum operations.
Today, protecting atomic qubits from disturbances can substantially reduce the coherence time, necessitate additional qubits to operate and create errors. The authors overcame these limitations with a method that allows current trapped ion qubits to be measured and reset to a known state without compromising the quantum information stored in the neighboring qubits, even though they are as close together as 1.5 micrometers — less than one-tenth of half the width of a human hair.
So, what is the magic power of holographic beam forming?
The researchers’ success was attributed to their novel approach that employed holographic beam shaping technology. Through spindle-like capturing and releasing of photon qubits they were able to perform operations in their quantum superposition state, and by controlling the laser light used in these operations to an unprecedented degree, they achieved what was previously thought impossible: a way to measure other qubits outcomes directly from such close range without disturbing them.
Led by Rajibul Islam, a faculty member at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, along with postdoctoral fellow Sainath Motlakunta and their research group, we have been trapping ions used in quantum simulation in the Laboratory for Quantum Information. The latest advancement expands on a breakthrough the team achieved in 2021 using reprogrammable holographic technology to control and annihilate one selected qubit while preserving the quantum information in other qubits.
Conclusion
The researchers’ work is potentially groundbreaking and could sway the future of quantum computing. But, they have achieved what is arguably an even bigger milestone in the field: monitoring and resetting a trapped ion qubit while leaving neighboring qubits undisturbed. Tap enthused that this could bring about a great improvement in quantum processor speed and capabilities, which would facilitate more efficient quantum simulations and lay the groundwork for successful error correction strategies. This demonstration by the team shows that with precise control over light there are entirely new doors through which quantum computing can evolve to fully exploit our capabilities, through this holographic beam shaping technology.
