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Quantum Computing offers new Insight into Microwaves replace Lasers in Quantum
understanding the Universe Breakthrough
A significant milestone in quantum research EleQtron, a spin-off from the University of Siegen,
has been reached by using Google’s quantum has replaced traditional laser-based control with
processor to simulate the interactions of microwaves, significantly reducing energy use and
fundamental particles. system complexity in quantum applications.
Scientists modelled phenomena described by Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology from
gauge theories to show how particles and the Spectrum Instrumentation has been integrated into
invisible ‘strings’ that link them behave, fluctuate EleQtron’s quantum systems enabling the precise
and even break. The result is a new tool for exploring control of trapped ion qubits using microwaves
particle physics, quantum materials and potentially rather than lasers. This has led to much lower cooling
the underlying structure of space and time, and a requirements and power consumption than is the
new experimental platform to probe the deepest case with traditional laser-based systems. It has also
questions about the nature of the universe. greatly simplified hardware architecture.
Michael Knap, Professor of Collective Quantum Each of Spectrum’s M4i.66xx series Arbitrary
Dynamics at the TUM School of Natural Sciences, Waveform Generator cards can produce up to 20
states: independent sine wave carriers per channel using
DDS enabling the fine-tuned manipulation of qubits,
including amplitude, phase and frequency with
timing resolution reduced to 6.4 nanoseconds.
“ Our work shows how quantum computers can
help us explore the fundamental rules that govern
our universe. By simulating these interactions in
the laboratory, we can test theories in ways not
previously possible”.
Pedram Roushan of Google Quantum AI adds:
“Using the quantum processor we examined the
dynamics of a specific gauge theory and observed
how particles and the invisible strings connecting
them evolve over time”. EleQtron’s patented Magnetic Gradient Induced
Coupling (MAGIC) quantum processors use
Tyler Cochran, a graduate student at Princeton
ytterbium ions (171Yb+) confined in a Paul trap, which
University and First Author of the study, further
is a standard technique in ion-based quantum
explains:
computing. Whilst conventional systems rely on
“By adjusting the effective parameters of the high-precision lasers to target individual ions, here
model, we could tune the behaviour of the strings. the same effect is achieved through microwave
They can fluctuate strongly, become tightly modulation operating at around 12.64 GHz. This brings
confined or even break. The quantum processor into play the Zeeman Effect in which magnetic fields
data captures these hallmark behaviours, which split atomic energy levels to distinguish between
have direct analogues in high-energy particle qubits by modulating the frequency in steps of 3 to 5
physics”. MHz.
Reference: Hookway, P., ‘Google’s Quantum Computer offers new Reference: ‘German Startup EleQtron replaces Lasers with
Window into the Universe’, Electronic Specifier, 24th. October Microwaves in Energy-efficient Quantum Breakthrough’, IoT Insider,
16th. October
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