Golden path towards realizing large-scale practical quantum computers

Hang Chi

Postdoctoral Fellow

Thursday, January 28, 2021

11:00am

Virtual

IAP Seminars

Quantum computers, fully realized, are exponentially superior to their classical counterparts for advanced computational tasks such as cybersecurity, drug discovery and artificial intelligence. For decades the development of practical quantum processors has been hindered by the lack of high-fidelity qubits (quantum bits that hold information) where quantum states can be coherently controlled. Hence complicated mathematical algorithms are needed to clear the quantum errors with current schemes, requiring huge redundancy of qubits – not a realistic track for scaling up. While it is clear that the next generation fault-tolerant qubits are critically needed, we now have potential to overcome these hurdles via a revolutionary topological qubits approach – based on nonlocally positioned robust pairs of Majorana quantum states in topological superconductors that intrinsically suppress quantum errors. Our recent work demonstrates the emergence of Majorana pair states (a split single fermion state) on the surface of nano strips of noble metal gold, proximity-driven into a superconducting state. The possibility of robust Majorana signals in a stable and easily scalable metallic system would be well suited for realizing the functioning robust qubits, for achieving an energy efficient, economical and stable quantum computer, opening up viable pathway to the long-cherished goal. In this seminar we will share with you the secrets of our golden path.

For Zoom link contact info@psfc.mit.edu.