Error and Quantum Sensors

Continuing along the quantum computing tour path, researchers have been able to harness a glaring shortfall of quantum computing methodology and morph it into something practical. The premise is so simple that you would have to wonder why the research didn't take place much sooner.

As with conventional computers, quantum computers are vulnerable to random noise in their quest to process data. The popular design is to use and alter the fundamental unit of quantum mechanics, the atom, to represent data in a meaningful and ultimately useful way. Unfortunately, random noise for a quantum computer can be anything from the heat of the sun to the movement of electrons in the air that the quantum computer is sitting in.

A immediately practical application for such levels of sensitivity is to use as a core for an extremely tiny, atom-sized sensor. Such "quantum sensors" would have the ability to detect natural occurrences several orders of magnitude smaller than what would currently be considered "undetectable". The article mentions, as an example, tiny magnetic waves emanating from the ocean floor that may indicate untapped oil reserves.

The Oxford researchers named their system the "quantum cat", after Schrödinger's thought experiment involving a box, a cat and a vial full of lethal poison. Perhaps the most interesting (and ironic) part of the story is the paradigm shift required in the manufacture of quantum computers.

"Many researchers try to make quantum states that are robust against their environment," said team member Dr Simon Benjamin of Oxford University’s Department of Materials, "but we went the other way and deliberately created the most fragile states possible."

Quantum Cat’s 'Whiskers' Offer Advanced Sensors [Science Daily]