With the purest silicon in the world: breakthrough in quantum computers

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing. The world's purest silicon should help make quantum computers suitable for everyday use.

Researchers at the University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne recently developed an ultra-pure silicon that could be crucial for the development of scalable quantum computers that could solve global challenges such as climate change and health problems in the future. The team produced the silicon as a starting material for building powerful qubit devices.

A major breakthrough was the removal of silicon-29 and silicon-30 atoms from natural silicon. These have previously led to high levels of information loss. Pure silicon, in turn, provides a basis for the production of quantum computers with high precision and performance.

Pure silicon as a promising material for quantum computers

One of the biggest challenges in developing quantum computers is the stability of the qubits, which are very sensitive to environmental changes. A functioning quantum computer requires about a million qubits, which is not feasible with today's classical computers.

Silicon, which is used as a semiconductor material in today's systems, could be the solution for scalable quantum computers. By removing the interfering isotopes, a level of purity was achieved that makes it possible to build quantum computers the size of a pinhead.

The same techniques that are used to manufacture electronic chips were used.

Computers of the future will help with data transmission and medicine

The new technology offers a path to scalable quantum computers with unprecedented performance. It could have significant impacts on technologies in various areas, including artificial intelligence systems, secure data and communication technologies, and the development of vaccines and medicines.

In the next step, the researchers want to prove that they can maintain quantum coherence for many qubits simultaneously. The research, which is supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and other institutions, marks a crucial step towards a future in which quantum computers could be commonplace.

Also interesting: