On “Billions of Entangled Particles Advance Quantum Computing”

In the article “Billions of Entangled Particles Advance Quantum Computing,” published on January 20, 2011, in The New York Times, John Markoff discusses a significant advancement in the development of quantum computers. Physicists have successfully used bursts of radio waves to generate 10 billion quantum-entangled pairs of subatomic particles in silicon. The research, conducted by a team led by physicists John Morton of Oxford University and Kohei Itoh of Keio University, explores a promising approach to creating qubits, which are the fundamental units of quantum computing.

Qubits differ from traditional transistors used in binary computers as they store information through the spin of atomic nuclei or electrons. The storage ability of qubits relies on entanglement, where changes in one particle instantaneously affect another particle, even when they are widely separated. This breakthrough research offers a glimpse into a future computing world where individual atomic nuclei store and retrieve data, and single electrons transport it.

The article highlights the potential of the new approach in terms of leveraging low-cost and easily manufacturable components from the consumer electronics industry. However, it also acknowledges the challenges of scaling up quantum computers to thousands of qubits to achieve significant computational speedup compared to classical computers. Raymond Laflamme, a physicist at the University of Waterloo, remarks, “I think this is a very neat piece of work, but I think it’s important to see it as a piece of a big puzzle. Our mecca is to build a quantum computer that could have thousands of qubits; here we have only a few.”

The article emphasizes the power of quantum computing, which arises from the concept of superposition. By representing both 1 and 0 simultaneously, qubits enable performing mathematical operations on multiple states simultaneously. As the number of qubits increases, the potential processing power of a quantum computer grows exponentially.

The significance of quantum computing lies in its ability to tackle complex computational problems that are infeasible for classical computers. However, the fragility of qubits poses a challenge, as any observation or measurement can disrupt their computing potential. Quantum entanglement, where particles are linked and measuring one reveals information about the other, is used to extract information from qubits.

The researchers in this study achieved quantum entanglement by bombarding a purified silicon isotope doped with phosphorus atoms with microwave and radio frequency pulses. The team was able to create and measure vast numbers of quantum-entangled pairs of atomic nuclei and electrons when the crystal was cooled to about 3 kelvin. They aim to further advance the system by entangling the electrons with a second nucleus.

In my response to this article, I find the advancements in quantum computing fascinating and full of potential. The ability to create 10 billion quantum-entangled pairs in silicon is a significant achievement and brings us closer to realizing the power of quantum computers. The utilization of existing low-cost and widely used components from the consumer electronics industry is promising, as it may enable more accessible and practical quantum computing technologies in the future.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. As Raymond Laflamme points out, scaling up quantum computers to thousands of qubits is crucial to achieve meaningful computational speedup. Additionally, the fragility of qubits and the need to maintain entangled states pose significant obstacles. Nonetheless, the progress made in this study, particularly in preserving the entangled state for several seconds, offers hope for future advancements in quantum computing.

On “Bend It, Charge It, Dunk It: Graphene, the Material of Tomorrow”

In the article “Bend It, Charge It, Dunk It: Graphene, the Material of Tomorrow” published by Nick Bilton, the author highlights the incredible properties and potential applications of graphene. Graphene is a single-atom-thick form of carbon, known to be the thinnest, strongest, and most pliable material in existence. It surpasses other materials in terms of its electrical and thermal conductivity. Researchers have recognized graphene as a revolutionary material capable of transforming various industries, including electronics, quantum computing, healthcare, and transportation.

The article emphasizes the significance of graphene’s discovery, which gained attention in 2010 when two physicists from the University of Manchester were awarded the Nobel Prize for their experiments with the material. Since then, researchers have been focusing on ways to commercially produce graphene. The American Chemical Society reported that graphene is 200 times stronger than steel and thin enough that a single ounce could cover 28 football fields. It possesses exceptional properties such as transparency, conductivity, and flexibility, making it a rare and versatile material.

The potential applications of graphene are vast. In the electronics industry, it promises to enable the development of thinner, faster, and cheaper devices compared to those based on silicon. Graphene-based batteries that are long-lasting and water-resistant are also being explored. Researchers are developing sensors, such as gas sensors, biosensors, and light sensors, using graphene, and its integration with biological systems could revolutionize healthcare technologies. Companies like Samsung, IBM, Nokia, and SanDisk are actively working on graphene-based products, including flexible displays and wearables.

In response to the article, I find the prospects of graphene truly exciting. Its remarkable properties and the potential to revolutionize multiple industries demonstrate its transformative power. The ability to create electronics that are thinner, more flexible, and highly conductive opens up new possibilities for future technologies. The affordability of graphene is an added advantage, suggesting that it has the potential to enhance and replace existing materials in various applications.

The concept of stretchable electronics made possible by graphene is particularly intriguing. The ability to stretch the material while maintaining its electrical conductivity presents new opportunities for flexible devices. As James Hone from Columbia University mentioned in the article, “You know what else you can stretch by 20 percent? Rubber. In comparison, silicon… can only stretch by 1 percent before it cracks.” This characteristic of graphene expands the scope of what can be achieved in terms of device design and functionality.

Furthermore, the article discusses how graphene’s integration with biological systems could have significant implications for healthcare. The potential to develop graphene-based sensors that can interface with our bodies and read nervous systems or communicate with cells is groundbreaking. It opens up possibilities for advanced medical diagnostics, personalized healthcare, and even the development of implants that can enhance human capabilities.

In conclusion, graphene holds immense promise and potential. It is a material that combines extraordinary strength, flexibility, and conductivity, enabling advancements in various fields. However, while the possibilities are vast, the article also acknowledges the challenges of adoption. Traditional industries that rely on silicon chips and transistors may be slower to embrace graphene-based alternatives. Nonetheless, given its remarkable properties and potential applications, graphene is poised to shape the future of technology and innovation.