Quantum computers could become a reality 20 years earlier than expected following the development of an optical chip by Bristol University.
Researchers from the university’s Centre for Quantum Photonics claim they have uncovered a new route to building a quantum computer that can perform calculations currently impossible using today’s systems.
‘At the moment, people have a conventional way to realising a quantum computer and it’s widely accepted that it is likely to be at least another 25 years before we have such a device,’ said project leader Jeremy O’Brien. ‘We’ve developed a quantum walk process that we’re optimistic could lead to a quantum system in the next five years.’
A quantum walk is the path a single photon of light takes as it travels through a network. The basic principle has been demonstrated in the past using experiments in classical wave physics. O’Brien’s technique, however, is the first to use two identical photons simultaneously.
‘With a two-photon system, we can perform calculations that are exponentially more complex than before,’ he added. ‘This is very much the beginning of a new field in quantum information science and will pave the way to quantum computers that will help us understand the most complex scientific problems.’
Ultimately O’Brien hopes that a quantum computer based on a multi-photon quantum walk could be used to simulate natural processes, which themselves are governed by quantum mechanics.
‘We could use such a system to simulate processes such as photosynthesis that relies on a coherent phenomena for its operation,’ he said. ‘If we understand how photosynthesis works using a quantum walk, then we might be able to design even better mechanisms for harvesting light for energy.’
No doubt, it’s great news, just by saving 20 years to enjoy all of the many benefits that quantum computers might offer to humanity, it is a great success so far, Jeremy is heading to the very small physics from the very large.