Sending quantum information through a chain of qubits, like energy through a Newton’s cradle, could be the key to faster operations and take quantum computing to the next level.

The quantum Newton’s cradle design shows how a laser can be used to give a precisely designed kick of energy to a row of trapped ions, quickly preparing them for quantum calculations known as gates.

The superpower of the new algorithm is its ability to rapidly entangle any two ions in the row without affecting the ones in between: Like a Newton’s cradle, the energy travels through the ions, leaving them untouched.