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Researchers demonstrate error-resistant quantum gates using exotic anyons for computation

The quantum computing revolution draws ever nearer, but the need for a computer that makes correctable errors continues to hold it back.

Through a collaboration with IBM led by Cornell, researchers have brought that revolution one step closer, achieving two major breakthroughs. First, they demonstrated an error-resistant implementation of universal quantum gates, the essential building blocks of quantum computation. Second, they showcased the power of a topological quantum computer in solving hard problems that a conventional computer couldn’t manage.

In the article “Realizing String-Net Condensation: Fibonacci Anyon Braiding for Universal Gates and Sampling Chromatic Polynomials” published in Nature Communications, an between researchers at IBM, Cornell, Harvard University and the Weizman Institute of Science demonstrated, for the first time, the ability to encode information by braiding—moving in a particular order—Fibonacci string net condensate (Fib SNC) anyons, which are exotic quasi-particles, in two dimensional space.

Researchers certify genuine quantum behavior in computers with up to 73 qubits

Can you prove whether a large quantum system truly behaves according to the weird and wonderful rules of quantum mechanics—or if it just looks like it does? In a new study, physicists from Leiden, Beijing and Hangzhou found the answer to this question.

You could call it a “quantum lie detector”: Bell’s test designed by famous physicist John Bell. This test shows whether a machine, like a quantum computer, is truly using or just mimics them.

As quantum technologies become more mature, ever more stringent tests of quantumness become necessary. In this new study, the researchers took things to the next level, testing Bell correlations in systems with up to 73 qubits—the basic building blocks of a quantum computer.

Scientists unveil new way to control magnetism in super-thin materials

A powerful new method to control magnetic behavior in ultra-thin materials could lead to faster, smaller and more energy-efficient technologies, a study suggests.

Researchers have developed a new way to precisely tune magnetism using a material—called CrPS4—that is just a few atoms thick. The study is published in the journal Nature Materials.

The advance could solve a long-standing scientific problem and pave the way for the development of new smart magnetic technologies, from computer memory devices to next-generation electronics, the team says.

New technique using Raman scattering can dramatically improve laser linewidth for better quantum computing

Macquarie University researchers have demonstrated a technique to dramatically narrow the linewidth of a laser beam by a factor of over ten thousand—a discovery that could revolutionize quantum computing, atomic clocks and gravitational wave detection.

In research published in APL Photonics, the team described using diamond crystals and the Raman effect—where laser light stimulates vibrations in materials and then scatters off those vibrations—to narrow the linewidth of laser beams by factors exceeding 10,000.

Laser linewidth measures how precisely a beam of light maintains its frequency and color purity. The narrower the linewidth, the more monochromatic and spectrally pure the laser. The team’s theoretical predictions suggest even greater improvements are possible with the method they have developed.

Ultrafast coherent dynamics of microring modulators

An ultra-compact, ultra-wide-bandwidth in-phase/quadrature modulator on a silicon chip is demonstrated, enabling coherent transmission for symbol rates up to 180 Gbaud and a net bit rate surpassing 1 Tb s−1 over an 80 km span, with modulation energy consumption as low as 10.4 fJ bit−1, and promising enhanced performance and scalability for future networking infrastructures.

Ultrathin clay membrane layers offer low-cost alternative for extracting lithium from water

Lithium, the lightest metal on the periodic table, plays a pivotal role in modern life. Its low weight and high energy density make it ideal for electric vehicles, cellphones, laptops and military technologies where every ounce counts. As demand for lithium skyrockets, concerns about supply and reliability are growing.

To help meet surging demand and possible supply chain problems, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have developed an innovative technology that efficiently extracts lithium from water. Several team members also hold joint appointments with the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) at the University of Chicago.

The findings appear in the journal Advanced Materials.

Industrial Electronics

Growth in 2.5D and 3D packaging solutions has accelerated off-the-board technology and the components which leverage it, both in terms of the fastest digital processors but also in proprietary ASICs and application processors. As high-bandwidth digital channels approach the practical limits of copper interconnects, silicon photonics and on-PCB/in-package optical interconnects may emerge as the next transformative wave of off-the-board technology.

This opinion is shared by insiders within the PCB and packaging side of the industry.

“Off the board technology is growing at an amazing rate, and isn’t being replaced by optical solutions, it’s enabling more optical solutions,” said Joe Dickson, senior VP chip-to-chip reliability and innovation at WUS PCB International. “They are not competition, they are tools to go much farther than we can today.”

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