Dec 1, 2016
Majorana Particles Observed for 1st Time: Contain Their Own Antiparticles –“Impacts Future of Quantum Computers”
Posted by Karen Hurst in categories: computing, particle physics, quantum physics
Around 75 years ago, Italian physicist Ettore Majorana hypothesized the existence of exotic particles that are their own antiparticles. Since then, interest in these particles, known as Majorana fermions, has grown enormously given that they could play a role in creating a quantum computer. Majoranas have already been described very well in theory. However, examining them and obtaining experimental evidence is difficult because they have to occur in pairs but are then usually bound to form one normal electron. Ingenious combinations and arrangements of various materials are therefore required to generate two Majoranas and keep them apart.