Breaking Through Quantum Boundaries: Linking 11 Qubits with Silicon Precision

In the ever-evolving realm of quantum computing, one of the most challenging aspects is scaling up the number of qubits while maintaining high performance. Recently, a significant milestone has been reached by Silicon Quantum Computing. According to a study published in the journal Nature, the company has unveiled an innovative processor design that successfully links 11 qubits with a fidelity of more than 99%, representing a remarkable breakthrough in the field.

The drive to scale quantum computers naturally involves integrating more qubits. Historically, attempts to increase qubit count have often resulted in reduced connection quality or fidelity due to the complexity of interconnecting numerous qubits. However, the newly developed processor takes a different approach by utilizing silicon—the same fundamental material used in classical computing—along with phosphorus atoms, to bridge these connectivity challenges.

The new processor, named the “14|15 platform,” makes use of precision-placed phosphorus atoms within isotopically purified silicon-28. These atoms form two multi-nuclear spin registers: one with four phosphorus atoms and another with five. By employing electron exchange interaction between these registers, the processor achieves non-local connectivity across all 11 qubits, marking a new high in silicon-based quantum processing.

A notable feature of the 14|15 platform is its ability to maintain outstanding performance even as it scales. Previous efforts using other materials faced various difficulties, such as in manufacturing and system control complexity. In contrast, this new platform demonstrates that it is feasible to achieve scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing using silicon technology, with gate fidelities reaching an unprecedented 99.9%. Within registers, Bell-state fidelities range from 91.4% to 99.5%, while across registers, they achieve between 87.0% and 97.0%.

The implications of this development are profound. It underscores the potential transition from experimental setups to practical, modular quantum machines, which are created using atomically engineered silicon devices. The future of this technology involves further refining performance and increasing qubit numbers, which could lead to applying these quantum advancements to solve complex real-world problems.

Key Takeaways:

1. Silicon Quantum Computing has developed a silicon-based processor that links 11 qubits with over 99% fidelity, marking a major advancement.
2. The “14|15 platform” achieves high connectivity through precision-placed phosphorus atoms in isotopically purified silicon-28.
3. This design tackles the challenges of scalability and fidelity, setting the stage for practical quantum systems.
4. Future research focuses on optimizing control and expanding qubit numbers to tackle genuine real-world issues.

This innovation signifies a promising step towards realizing the commercial and practical potential of quantum computing, bridging the gap between theoretical potential and real-world application.