Phys.org July 5, 2023
Linear optical quantum computing provides a desirable approach to quantum computing, with only a short list of required computational elements. The similarity between photons and phonons points to the interesting potential for linear mechanical quantum computing using phonons in place of photons. Although single-phonon sources and detectors have been demonstrated, a phononic beam splitter element remains an outstanding requirement. Researchers at the University of Chicago demonstrated such an element, using two superconducting qubits to fully characterize a beam splitter with single phonons. They used the beam splitter to demonstrate two-phonon interference, a requirement for two-qubit gates in linear computing. This advances a new solid-state system for implementing linear quantum computing, further providing straightforward conversion between itinerant phonons and superconducting qubits… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Researchers can use mirrorlike beam splitters to put phonons, or quantum sound particles, into a state of superposition. Credit: Peter Allen via University of Chicago