NIST researchers have demonstrated a novel approach to quantum computing where losing some information can actually benefit the process. By intentionally leaking information to the environment, they were able to entangle two ions, a crucial step in quantum computing. This method, described in a Nature paper, could potentially be used to create entangled states for traditional quantum computers or alternative architectures that leverage noise environments.
The process works by using two ultraviolet laser beams to entangle the internal spins of two ion qubits. The spins are then coupled to the ions’ synchronized motion, creating a superposition state. By applying microwaves and one laser beam, unwanted quantum states are reshuffled and coupled to outgoing heat, leaving the qubits in the desired entangled state. This method can tolerate some noise and can be started from any initial state, making it a promising approach for future quantum computing architectures.
Keywords: entanglement, quantum bits, superposition, qubits, quantum states
