Researchers at UBC have proposed a groundbreaking solution to a major challenge in quantum networking: a device capable of converting microwave to optical signals and vice versa, acting as a 'universal translator'.

This technology could revolutionize quantum computing by facilitating long-distance communication between quantum computers with minimal signal loss and noise. The device, which can convert up to 95% of signals, is compact enough to fit on a silicon chip, making it easily integrable into existing computer systems.

Key Features of the Device

Lead researcher Mohammad Khalifa, from UBC's faculty of applied science and the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI), describes the device as a reliable translator that maintains the integrity of messages and quantum connections between particles over long distances. Without such a tool, individual quantum computers would remain isolated, but with this device, a true quantum network can be established.

Functionality of the Device

Quantum computers rely on microwave signals for processing information, which need to be converted to optical signals for long-distance transmission through fiber optic cables. The fragility of these signals makes them susceptible to disturbances during translation, posing a threat to entanglement, a crucial quantum phenomenon that ensures particles remain connected regardless of distance. The UBC device, detailed in a study published in npj Quantum Information, aims to enable long-distance quantum communication while preserving entangled links.

The Silicon Solution

The team's device is a microwave-optical photon converter that can be manufactured on a silicon wafer. The breakthrough lies in the use of engineered flaws, magnetic defects embedded in silicon to control its properties. By precisely tuning microwave and optical signals, electrons in these defects can convert signals without energy absorption, ensuring stability during the transformation process. Additionally, the device operates efficiently at extremely low power levels, making it a practical solution for quantum networking.

Future Implications

Although the device is still in the theoretical stage, it represents a significant advancement in quantum networking. Dr. Joseph Salfi, the study's senior author and an assistant professor at UBC, believes that this innovation could pave the way for reliable quantum information transmission between cities. By leveraging existing chip fabrication technology, silicon-based converters could be seamlessly integrated into current communication infrastructure, potentially revolutionizing online security, indoor GPS, and problem-solving capabilities.