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Most quantum processors rely on native interactions between pairs of qubits to generate quantum entangling gates. Now, by modulating the driving laser fields, gates that entangle a triplet or quartet of trapped-ion qubits have been realized, creating useful new components for quantum computing applications.
In principle, quantum entanglement gives advantages in radar detection even under noisy and lossy operating conditions. More than a decade after the proposal, the predicted quantum advantage has finally been demonstrated at microwave frequencies.
Proposals for quantum radars have suggested that in noisy environments there may be a benefit in sensing using quantum microwaves. A superconducting circuit experiment has now confirmed an advantage exists under appropriate conditions.
Generation of entanglement in quantum computers stems from the native interactions between qubits, which are usually restricted to the pairwise limit. A method to control three- and four-body interactions has now been demonstrated with trapped ions.
The Born–Oppenheimer approximation is the prevailing assumption for interpreting ultrafast electron dynamics in solids. Evidence now suggests that collisions between electrons and lattice not captured by this approximation play an important role.
Whether Anderson localization of light is possible in three dimensions has long been an open question. Numerical calculations have now shown that it can be done with a disordered arrangement of metal particles.
Efficient control and measurement of qubits requires them to be strongly coupled to other degrees of freedom, but this can introduce additional decoherence. Now, parametric driving makes it possible to controllably introduce and remove interactions.
Precise control of electrons in two-dimensional materials has been limited by fabrication techniques for local gates that introduce disorder. Now, a technique allows patterning of sub-100 nm features and fabrication of very clean interfaces.
The Kibble–Zurek mechanism is shown to apply to structural Ising domains in three-dimensional materials. Long-range interactions modify the critical exponents away from theoretical predictions.
A coherent interface between a mechanical oscillator and superconducting electrical circuits would enable the control of quantum states of mechanical motion, but such interfaces often result in excess mechanical energy loss. A new material-agnostic approach is shown to achieve strong electromechanical coupling while preserving a long phonon lifetime.
Two studies of electrons generated from laser-triggered emitters have found highly predictable electron–electron energy correlations. These studies, at vastly different energy scales, may lead to heralded electron sources, enabling quantum free-electron optics and low-noise, low-damage electron beam lithography and microscopy.
The realization of cold and dense electron–hole systems by optical excitation is hindered by the heating caused by particle recombination. Now, cold and dense electron–hole systems have been observed in heterostructures with separated electron and hole layers.
Coulomb interactions in free-electron beams are usually seen as an adverse effect. The creation of distinctive number states with one, two, three and four electrons now reveals unexpected opportunities for electron microscopy and lithography from Coulomb correlations.
Even a few electrons confined to a tight space and time interval interact strongly, often causing issues for applications. The resulting repulsion has now been shown to allow strong electron–electron correlations, enabling shot-noise reduction.
Electrical control of quantum mechanical oscillators is normally performed using piezoelectrics, but incorporating these additional materials can severely reduce performance. Electrostatic control has now been demonstrated in a silicon device.
A real qubit is not an isolated unitary quantum system but is subject to noise from its environment. An experiment has now turned this interaction on its head, controlling the environment using the qubit itself.
The structure of disordered materials typically ages, but sometimes also rejuvenates, resulting in intriguing memory properties. Progress in numerical simulations of spin glasses has now enabled replication of such phenomena from simple models.
It is known that mechanical waves play a role in collective motion in vitro. Now these waves can help an amputated zebrafish know where its fin was cut off to aid regeneration.
