Researchers at the University of British Colombia developed a theoretical model of a device that could become a major element of future quantum Internet. We are talking about a microchip on the silicon base that can convert signals between microwave and optical range with efficiency up to 95% and almost no noise. This is necessary for quantum computers to talk to each other for a long distance. The work was published in the journal NPJ Quantum.
Quantum computer uses microwave to process information. However, to transmit this information to the distance-for example, between cities or nations-optical signs is necessary, transmitted through fiber optic cable. The problem is that the quantum state is extremely fragile and when signal conversion, even the smallest deformation can destroy the phenomenon of quantum confusion.
Utility is the key to quantum communication: it allows two particles to still be related to the distance between them. Losing this compound means losing all the quantum advantages. The device is proposed by researchers to solve problems.
It is like finding a translator who understands almost every word, retains the meaning and does not add background noise, Mr. Mohammed Khalif, co -author of the study explained.
This device is a silicon microchip with magnetic defects created by artificially – a small “gap” integrated into the material that allows you to control its attributes. When the microwave and optical signal have a certain frequency provided to the chip, the electrons in these defects convert this signal into another signal without energy absorption, which avoids instability and heat loss.
The peculiarity of the design is that it is energy efficiency (only requires millions of watts of watts) and is capable of expanding scale, as it can be created by using standard chip production technologies.
Our devices not only convert signals – it still retains quantum connection, which is very important.
Although the development has only existed in the form of a theoretical model, it opens the way to create actual quantum networks. Silicon converters can be integrated into the existing telecommunications infrastructure by using modern microchip production lines.