Via The Harvard Gazette: “Quantum memory, analogous to classical computer memory, is an important component of a quantum computing future because it allows for complex network operations and information storage and retrieval. While other quantum networks have been created in the past, the Harvard team’s is the longest fiber network between devices that can store, process, and move information.
Each node is a very small quantum computer, made out of a sliver of diamond that has a defect in its atomic structure called a silicon-vacancy center. Inside the diamond, carved structures smaller than a hundredth the width of a human hair enhance the interaction between the silicon-vacancy center and light.”
If you’re unfamiliar with what quantum computing is capable of, think of it like this; within traditional computing, any and all information is stored and transferred within ‘bits’. A bit is a series of ‘ons’ and ‘offs’ in the form of ones and zeros. Quantum computing replaces these ones and zeros with decimals, which allows for a literally infinite amount more computing power than a traditional computer and is only limited by the hardware. But no matter how efficient these computers are, there presents a problem of communication. Essentially, the computers speak different languages. What is computed on a quantum computer cannot be read easily by traditional computing.
What these physicians in Boston have proposed and proved is a method for multiple quantum computers to be able to interact with each other smoothly. This is enormous news as it sets the precedent that far more than 2 quantum computers may be linked together with the right infrastructure. It’s hard to say what this means for us and our future of technology, but its a large step in the right direction for advancing the capabilities of the machines around us.
