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Quantum Computing
« on: 2002-08-08 07:36:04 » |
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Quantum computer called possible with today's tech
By R. Colin Johnson
EE Times
August 7, 2002 (6:36 a.m. EST)
http://www.eetimes.com/at/news/OEG20020806S0030
MADISON, Wis. -- Researchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison claim to have created the world's first successful simulation of a quantum-computer architecture that uses existing silicon fabrication techniques. By harnessing both vertical and horizontal tunneling through dual top and bottom gates, the architecture lays out interacting, 50-nanometer-square, single-electron quantum dots across a chip.
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The group of researchers has concluded that existing silicon fabrication equipment can be used to create quantum computers, albeit at only megahertz speeds today due to the stringent requirements of its pulse generators. To achieve gigahertz operation, the group has pinpointed the device features that need to be enhanced to prevent leakage errors, and has already begun work on fabricating a prototype.
"We believe that quantum computers are possible today with the component technologies we already have in place for silicon," Eriksson said. The team composed their quantum "bits" out of electron spin: up for "1," down for "0." Encoding bits in spins allows a single electron to represent either binary value, and because of the indeterminacy of quantum spins, they can represent both values during calculations to effectively create a parallel process.
"Our technique may enable quantum computers to actually begin performing calculations that can't be performed any other way," Eriksson said. Others have demonstrated a few quantum dots interacting to perform calculations but Eriksson estimates that a million quantum bits (qubits) will be needed to create quantum computers that perform useful real-world applications. For that, silicon fabrication equipment offers the best solution, according to Eriksson.
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With existing fabrication techniques, the team estimates that a million-quantum-dot computer (1,024 x 1,024 array) could be built today and operated in the megahertz range.
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