New quantum strategy: Spin qubits revolutionize technology!

New quantum strategy: Spin qubits revolutionize technology!

The world of quantum technologies is facing exciting developments that have the potential to fundamentally revolutionize information processing. At the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), researchers are working on innovative methods to improve spin qubits, which are crucial for quantum computing and other applications. Electrons, which have their own angular momentum, the spin, act as tiny magnets and are able to function as quantum bits in quantum information processing. These qubits can assume not only the classical states 0 and 1, but also superpositions, which significantly increase the information density and system complexity. This versatility makes spin qubits particularly promising for future applications in quantum communications, high-precision sensing and as storage devices in quantum computers, such as KIT reported.

A particular challenge is the design and control of spin structures at the atomic level. This also includes the non-destructive reading of information. In their latest publication in Nature Communications, KIT scientists present a new strategy to improve the lifetime and control of molecular spin qubits. This strategy relies on a double magnet structure that integrates two iron atoms into one molecule. One iron atom is permanently embedded in the molecule, while the other is selectively docked to enable precise interaction. This structure protects the remaining part of the system and extends the life of the spin by five times. This complex structure is created using the fine tip of a scanning tunneling microscope. It is worth noting that this specific arrangement does not occur in nature and future modular molecules could form more stable units for quantum technologies.

Potential for quantum communication and security

In parallel to these developments in the field of quantum information processing, the Fraunhofer Institute is working on the use of entangled quanta to ensure communication and improve imaging. Dr. Erik Beckert has developed a photon source that produces an impressive 300,000 entangled photon pairs per second. These twin photons are linked together, so measuring one photon reveals the state of the other - a property that can be used for physical encryption to prevent hacking and data leaks. Beckert explains that future quantum keys can be distributed to communication partners via satellite. If an eavesdropping attempt were made, the entanglement would be extinguished, making the interference detectable.

The first European quantum encryption satellite is scheduled to be launched into space in 2022, and Beckert and his team are involved in its development. Quantum encryption is of particular interest to the financial industry, telecommunications providers and government organizations. The QuNET project is being launched in a comprehensive initiative involving Fraunhofer, Max Planck and DLR. The objective of this project is to build a highly secure communications network between government locations, with the long-term goal of enabling quantum cryptographically secured online banking.

Developments in quantum communication

In addition, 17 partners from Europe are working in the UNIQORN project to create affordable quantum communication for the mass market. At Fraunhofer HHI in Berlin, miniaturized and quantum-compatible components are being developed that could possibly be integrated into routers. The aim is to reduce the costs of quantum communication by up to 90 percent. These technological advances promise not only to keep information secure, but also to revolutionize the way we understand global communications.

Overall, we are at a turning point in research on quantum architectures and their practical applications. Spin qubits and quantum communications could lay the foundations for a new era in information processing while ensuring data security in an increasingly digitalized world.