Single subatomic quantum memories in semiconductors

Researchers Alexandre Bourassa (left) and Chris Anderson (right) next to their quantum measurement instrumentation at the University of Chicago Pritzker School for Molecular Engineering. (Photo by Cyrus Zeledon)
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Scientists at the University of Chicago demonstrated control of atomic quantum memories in silicon carbide, a common material found in electric cars and LED light bulbs. Then, they used this control to create an entangled state, representing a connection between the quantum memories and electrons trapped in the semiconductor material.

The results effectively shows how one could encode and write quantum information onto the core of a single atom, unlocking the potential for building qubits that can remain coherent for extremely long times.

To interact with these nuclei, the scientists used techniques similar to those used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but replaced the bulky magnetic chamber with just a single electron.

This work establishes the key components necessary for creating quantum technologies in semiconductor devices and will be an important platform for a future quantum internet. (University of Chicago)

The study has been published in Nature Materials.

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