A team of 30 researchers recently published a groundbreaking study in the journal Nature Physics that could revolutionize the field of quantum computing. The researchers, led by physicists, made a significant discovery regarding Josephson tunnel transitions, the essential components of superconducting quantum computers.
The team found that these tunnel transitions have a more intricate structure than previously believed, resembling harmonics added to a musical instrument’s main frequency. This phenomenon can potentially increase the stability of quantum bits by 2-7 times, making them more reliable for use in quantum computers.
This discovery was the result of a collaboration between scientists from various institutions, including Cologne University, a higher school in Paris, and IBM Quantum in New York. The research project began in 2019 when graduate students Dennis Will and Dennis Reiger encountered challenges in interpreting experimental results using the traditional model of Josephson tunnel crossings, which earned Brian Josephson the Nobel Prize in 1973.
Further analysis of data from multiple sources revealed significant deviations from the standard model, prompting the development of an expanded model that incorporates higher harmonics. These new insights provide a more precise understanding of the processes involved in tunnel transitions for quantum bits, akin to the way harmonic overtones complement the main tone in music.
The researchers believe that their findings could lead to the creation of more robust and efficient quantum bits, potentially reducing errors by a factor of ten. This advancement represents a crucial step towards realizing the ambition of constructing a universal superconducting quantum computer.