Photonics has been a promising platform for implementing quantum technologies owing to its scalability and robustness.
Taiwanese researchers, led by National Tsing Hua University professor Chuu Chih-sung, have developed the world’s most miniature quantum computer powered by a single photon. This breakthrough emphasizes miniaturization and addresses significant challenges in quantum computing, such as energy efficiency and temperature stability.
The team used innovative photonics to encode information into 32-time bins of a single photon, allowing the device to operate at room temperature, unlike traditional quantum computers that require supercooled environments.
Photons play a crucial role in this new quantum computer, as they can maintain stable quantum states at room temperatures (20°C to 25°C) without the need for sub-zero conditions that traditional systems require. This stability makes photon-based systems more practical for real-world applications.
The research team believes this advantage could enhance the competitiveness of quantum computing technologies in future commercialization efforts.