UBC's Quantum Breakthrough: Silicon Chip Translates Microwaves to Light
Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have made a significant breakthrough in quantum networking. They've developed a silicon chip that acts as a universal translator between microwaves and light, paving the way for a reliable quantum network.
The chip, proposed by UBC researchers led by Mohammad Khalifa, addresses a major hurdle in quantum networking. It converts microwave signals, which struggle to travel long distances, into optical signals that can traverse fiber optic cables with minimal loss. This conversion is crucial for building a global quantum network.
The device uses tiny magnetic defects in silicon to trap electrons. These electrons act as intermediaries, facilitating efficient conversion between microwave and optical signals without absorbing energy. Remarkably, the chip converts up to 95% of a quantum signal in both directions, preserving quantum entanglement over long distances with virtually no added noise.
This power-efficient chip, consuming just millionths of a watt, could be fabricated using existing chip manufacturing processes. It promises large-scale production and integration into current communication systems. A reliable quantum network enabled by this technology could revolutionize internet communication, indoor navigation, drug discovery, and simulations of complex natural systems.
