The article discusses the challenges and progress in developing practical quantum computing using silicon technology. Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems that are intractable for classical computers, such as optimizing routes for package delivery or predicting individual responses to medicine.
However, implementing quantum computing in silicon faces significant challenges. Quantum information is encoded in qubits, which are more fragile than classical bits. Silicon-29, a common isotope of silicon, acts as a magnetic disturbance that disrupts quantum information. Researchers at NIST have developed highly enriched silicon-28 to minimize this disturbance, reducing silicon-29 content from 5% to 0.00001%.
The article highlights the importance of developing new measurement techniques to validate quantum computing approaches without having to make and measure qubits directly. NIST researchers are working on simpler measurements that could serve as early indicators of material quality and manufacturing processes.
The path to practical quantum computing in silicon is long and challenging, but NIST’s expertise in metrology and materials science positions them well to overcome these obstacles. The ultimate goal is to enable quantum computing that can solve complex problems and revolutionize fields like medicine, energy, and transportation.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/seeking-power-quantum-computing-silicon
Keywords: quantum, computing, algorithms, silicon, qubits, spin, semiconductor, vacuum, metrology
