A groundbreaking discovery by physicists at Rice University has unveiled a phase-changing quantum material with the potential to revolutionize memory storage for quantum computers. This innovative material, along with a novel method for identifying similar substances, could pave the way for flash-like memory capable of retaining quantum bits, or qubits, even when the computer is offline.
Published in Nature Communications, the study led by Rice physicist Ming Yi and a team of researchers from various institutions demonstrates the ability to manipulate a crystal composed of iron, germanium, and tellurium using heat to switch between two electronic phases. These phases create topologically protected quantum states, offering a promising solution to the decoherence issues that have hindered quantum computing progress.
The unexpected nature of this discovery intrigued Yi, who initially focused on the material’s magnetic properties. Through meticulous experimentation and collaboration with colleagues, the researchers uncovered the unique behavior of the crystal, which exhibited distinct phases based on cooling rates prior to testing.
Unlike conventional phase-changing memory materials, the iron-germanium-tellurium alloy showcased a remarkable ability to transition between phases without requiring melting and recrystallization. By manipulating the arrangement of vacancies within the crystal lattice, the researchers could induce phase changes simply by adjusting the cooling duration after reheating the crystal.
2024-04-07 12:00:03
Source from phys.org