Researchers have discovered a secure way to store information – within the nucleus of an atom. This breakthrough could play a crucial role in the development of secure quantum computing applications.
Quantum computers store information in the form of quantum bits, or qubits. A recent study has revealed that by storing these qubits in the atom’s nucleus, the data is better protected from external interference, paving the way for more secure quantum computing applications.
Scientists at the Technological University of Dortht conducted an experiment on the Titan atom (TI-47) and successfully recorded and read quantum information stored within the atom’s nucleus.
The study highlighted that the spin state of the nucleus, acting as a sort of “magnetic arrow,” is capable of storing quantum information. However, the process of extracting this data from the tiny nucleus is challenging, due to its size and the presence of surrounding particles.
The complex interaction between the nucleus and orbital electrons, known as the hypertensive relationship, poses difficulties in accessing the stored information. Nonetheless, the researchers have devised a method to manipulate this interaction, inducing a “fluctuation” in the nucleus using an electric pulse. This synchronization of electron and nucleus spins simplifies the data extraction process.
The results of the experiment demonstrate that quantum information stored within an atom’s nucleus remains shielded from external influences, suggesting that nuclear spin could be a promising avenue for quantum information storage.
The findings of this research have been published in the journal Nature Communications.