New ‘switch’ could power quantum computing

Scientists from MIT and Harvard University have created a novel method for connecting particles by using a laser to place individual rubidium atoms close to the surface of a light lattice. This could aid in the creation of powerful quantum computing systems.

Researchers are now able to couple a single photon, or light particle, with a single atom of rubidium, which is a metal. The new method is described in a paper that was published today in the journal Nature.This gives the photon and the atom the ability to change the other particle’s quantum state, making it possible for quantum-level computing to take place.

In addition, the researchers anticipate that their method will enable them to scale up the amount of quantum computing processing that can be performed by increasing the number of beneficial interactions that take place within a relatively small space.