First Reprogrammable Quantum Computer Invented

According to a new study, Scientists have Invented the first programmable and reprogrammable quantum computer. The technology entered in a much-anticipated era of quantum computing. Researchers saying could help scientists run complex simulations and produce rapid solutions to tricky calculations.

Quantum Computers Research:

Previous Knowledge suggested that quantum computers simultaneously perform more calculations only in one instant than there are atoms in the universe. Prior research also found that such capabilities of quantum computers would allow to solve certain problems much faster than conventional computers can, for instance, breaking encryption that would take regular computers longer than the lifetime of the sun to crack.

Quantum Computers Function:

Quantum computers functioning rely on the bizarre, surreal nature of quantum physics. Quantum Physics suggests that atoms and other fundamental building blocks of the universe actually exist in states of flux that is known as "Superposition". This means that atoms, for example, can spin at the same time in two opposite sides.

Quantum vs Traditional Computers:

That kind of superposition fundamentally differentiate quantum computing from traditional computers. Classical computers is represented as 1's and 0's, binary digits known as "bits" and symbolized by flicking switch-like transistors either on or off. Quantum computers, on the other hand, use quantum bits, or "qubits," that are in superposition, meaning that they are simultaneously on and off. This enables a qubit to essentially perform two calculations simultaneously.

Many researchers previously made small but functional quantum computers. However, these devices are typically specialized to run just one algorithm, or step-by-step set of operations.

Still, there hasn't been any quantum-computing platform that had the ability to program new algorithms into their system. They're usually each tailored to attack a particular algorithm," said study lead author Shantanu Debnath, a quantum physicist and optical engineer at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Now, Debnath and colleagues have invented the first fullyprogrammable and reprogrammable quantum computer. This new device is made offive qubits. Every single qubit is an ion, or electrically charged particle,trapped in a magnetic field.

Lasers can be used to manipulate these ions — five ytterbium atoms — infusing them with precise amounts of energy and influencing their interactions with each other. In this way, the researchers can program and reprogram the quantum computer with a variety of algorithms.

The researchers will test more algorithms on their device in coming days, According to Debnath. "We'd like this system to serve as a test bed for examining the challenges of multiqubit operations, and find ways to make them better," Debnath told Live Science.