NIST physicists have successfully demonstrated “quantum teleportation” of atomic states, transferring key properties of one atom to another without physical contact. The technique, which achieved a 78% success rate, could be crucial for future quantum computers that use atomic qubits to perform complex calculations.
The NIST experiments involved transferring quantum states between beryllium atoms using laser beam manipulations. This research, along with similar work from the University of Innsbruck, marks the first demonstrations of atomic teleportation. Quantum computers using atomic qubits are considered a leading candidate for storing and processing data.
The NIST team, led by physicist David Wineland, previously demonstrated the building blocks for a quantum computer based on atomic-ion traps. Their latest experiments incorporate most of the features required for large-scale information processing systems using ion traps, and could be used as part of a series of logical operations needed for practical computing.
The research exploits quantum properties such as superposition, entanglement, and the ability to teleport quantum states without measurement. The experiments were supported in part by the Advanced Research and Development Activity and the National Security Agency.
Keywords: quantum, states, qubits, teleportation, atoms
