December 23, 2024

The Magnetic Twist: Hybrid Superconductors Unlock Quantum Computing Potential

Researchers have actually created a novel hybrid superconductor that integrates magnetic homes, paving the method for more stable quantum computing. Unlike conventional computers, quantum computer systems are based not on bits but on quantum bits (qubits), which can presume not simply 2 but several states concurrently. “Our discovery might assist support quantum bits so that they can be utilized in quantum computer systems in the future. It was carried out in close cooperation with theoretical professionals from the group of Professor F. Sebastian Bergeret of the Centre for Materials Physics (CFM) in San Sebastian, Spain, and Professor Teun M. Klapwijk of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.Reference: “Magnetically tunable supercurrent in water down magnetic topological insulator-based Josephson junctions” by Pankaj Mandal, Soumi Mondal, Martin P. Stehno, Stefan Ilić, F. Sebastian Bergeret, Teun M. Klapwijk, Charles Gould and Laurens W. Molenkamp, 32 March 2024, Nature Physics.DOI: 10.1038/ s41567-024-02477-1The international research study group was funded by the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Complexity and Topology in Quantum Materials), the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Free State of Bavaria, the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), the European research study program Horizon 2020 and the EU ERC Advanced Grant Programme.

Scientists have actually produced a novel hybrid superconductor that integrates magnetic properties, paving the method for more stable quantum computing. Credit: SciTechDaily.comAn worldwide group including scientists from the University of Würzburg has actually prospered in developing a special state of superconductivity. This discovery might advance the development of quantum computers.Superconductors are products that can conduct electrical power without electrical resistance– making them the perfect base material for electronic components in MRI machines, magnetic levitation trains, and even particle accelerators. Traditional superconductors are easily disturbed by magnetism. An international group of scientists has now succeeded in constructing a hybrid gadget consisting of a steady proximitized-superconductor enhanced by magnetism and whose function can be particularly controlled.They combined the superconductor with an unique semiconductor material called a topological insulator. “Topological insulators are materials that conduct electrical energy on their surface however not inside. This is due to their unique topological structure, i.e. the special arrangement of the electrons,” describes Professor Charles Gould, a physicist at the Institute for Topological Insulators at the University of Würzburg (JMU). “The interesting thing is that we can gear up topological insulators with magnetic atoms so that they can be controlled by a magnet.”Sample holder for measurements at millikelvin (-273 ° C). Credit: Mandal/JMU, seitlich erweitert mit FireflyThe superconductors and topological insulators were combined to form a so-called Josephson junction, a connection between two superconductors separated by a thin layer of non-superconducting material. “This permitted us to integrate the homes of superconductivity and semiconductors,” says Gould. “So we combine the advantages of a superconductor with the controllability of the topological insulator. Using an external magnetic field, we can now exactly manage the superconducting residential or commercial properties. This is a real development in quantum physics!”Superconductivity Meets MagnetismThe unique combination creates an unique state in which superconductivity and magnetism are integrated– generally these are opposite phenomena that seldom exist together. This is referred to as the proximity-induced Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (p-FFLO) state. The new “superconductor with a control function” could be important for useful applications, such as the advancement of quantum computers. Unlike standard computers, quantum computer systems are based not on bits but on quantum bits (qubits), which can presume not just 2 but a number of states at the same time.”The issue is that quantum bits are presently very unstable since they are incredibly delicate to external influences, such as electric or magnetic fields,” states physicist Gould. “Our discovery could help stabilize quantum bits so that they can be utilized in quantum computers in the future.”International Quantum Research TeamThe experimental research was performed by a group from the Chair of Experimental Physics III of Professor Laurens W. Molenkamp in Würzburg. It was performed in close cooperation with theoretical experts from the group of Professor F. Sebastian Bergeret of the Centre for Materials Physics (CFM) in San Sebastian, Spain, and Professor Teun M. Klapwijk of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.Reference: “Magnetically tunable supercurrent in dilute magnetic topological insulator-based Josephson junctions” by Pankaj Mandal, Soumi Mondal, Martin P. Stehno, Stefan Ilić, F. Sebastian Bergeret, Teun M. Klapwijk, Charles Gould and Laurens W. Molenkamp, 32 March 2024, Nature Physics.DOI: 10.1038/ s41567-024-02477-1The international research group was moneyed by the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Complexity and Topology in Quantum Materials), the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Free State of Bavaria, the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), the European research program Horizon 2020 and the EU ERC Advanced Grant Programme.