{"id":228477,"date":"2017-09-11T11:13:27","date_gmt":"2017-09-11T09:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/?p=228477"},"modified":"2017-09-11T11:15:49","modified_gmt":"2017-09-11T09:15:49","slug":"scientists-make-major-breakthrough-in-quantum-computing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/science\/228477-scientists-make-major-breakthrough-in-quantum-computing.html","title":{"rendered":"Scientists make major breakthrough in quantum computing"},"content":{"rendered":"

A team of researchers at UNSW Sydney has made a major breakthrough in quantum computer design with the development of “flip-flop” qubits<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Qubits are the quantum equivalent of standard bits found in modern chip design, and are able to output more outputs than the standard on\/off transistor design.<\/p>\n

A major problem with the design of quantum computers is the difficulty in scaling qubit arrays, as the qubit atoms are traditionally required to be placed very close together and manipulated by a magnetic field.<\/p>\n

Researchers have now developed a silicon-based quantum computer design which uses a new qubit array construction to increase scalability.<\/p>\n

In these “flip-flop” qubits, information is coded into both the nucleus and electron of a phosphorous atom, which is embedded in a silicon chip.<\/p>\n

The electron is pulled away from the nucleus of the atom by applying electrical charge, which causes the qubits to create an electrical field over relatively large distances.<\/p>\n

This lets qubits communicate over much larger distances than in previous quantum computer designs, allowing for increased scalability – thanks to the added space for interconnects and other electronic components.<\/p>\n