Researchers have found a way to utilize a quantum material for harnessing the potential of magnetism in storing quantum information, owing to its ability to facilitate magnetic switching (where the magnetic polarization changes direction). This breakthrough could pave the way for more feasible applications.
quantum computing
And sensing, due to significantly extended quantum state durations.
Chromium sulfide bromide
Is a distinctive material often compared to filo dough due to its layered atomic structure consisting of only a few layers of atoms. Researchers view it as highly promising for quantum technology applications since numerous properties make it suitable for various forms of data storage. This material can facilitate information retention utilizing electric charges, photons (in the form of light), magnetic fields (via electron spins), and even phonons—akin to acoustic vibrations.
One potential method among several possible uses for storing information with chromium sulfide bromide involves excitons—a kind of quasiparticle created when an electron binds with its corresponding hole. If a photon transitions away from its stable energy level, it essentially vacates a spot, leaving behind this void termed a ‘hole.’ Despite being apart, both the photon and the hole stay linked, forming what’s referred to as an exciton.
Previous research
has pointed out that these excitons can occasionally align in a linear formation within the material. However, they also display peculiar magnetic characteristics.
Below 132 Kelvin (−222°F or −141°C), the material’s layers exhibit magnetization with electron alignment; however, the orientation of the magnetic field alternates between successive layers within the substance.
If chromium sulfide bromide is heated above 132 K, it demagnetizes because the electrons start moving randomly. When in this non-magnetic condition, excitons break free from their confinement and spread across several layers within the substance.
When chromium sulfide bromide forms into a layer just one atom thick, the excitons become restricted to a single dimension. In a quantum device, this confinement can lead to significantly extended storage times for quantum information within these excitons. This occurs because the likelihood of exciton collisions decreases, thereby reducing the chances of losing carried information via decoherence—the degradation of quantum information caused by interactions with their environment.
Quantum data in one dimension
The latest research, released on February 19 in the journal
Nature
Scientists reported that they generated excitons in chromium sulfide bromide by exposing it to 20 brief pulses of infrared light, each lasting just 20 quadrillionths of a second (20 x 10).
-15
They subsequently employed a secondary infrared laser to elevate the excitons to a more energetic condition. However, they discovered the creation of two distinct types of excitons instead of achieving uniform energy levels as expected.
When lower-energy pulses were emitted by lasers positioned at various angles, scientists found they could confine the direction-dependent excitons to a linear arrangement or spread them out across three dimensions. This transition from one-dimensional to three-dimensional excitons determined their longevity—how long they persisted before interacting with each other.
“The magnetic order presents a novel parameter for manipulating excitons and their interactions. This might revolutionize the field of future electronics and information technology,” stated the study’s co-author.
Rupert Huber
, a professor specializing in experimental and applied physics at the University of Regensburg in Germany.
A major focus for the research team moving forward will be exploring the potential to transform these excitons into magnetic excitations within the electronic spins of the material. If successful, this achievement could offer a valuable technique for translating quantum information among various subatomic entities such as photons, excitons, and electrons.
Flipping between magnetic and non-magnetic states might offer a swift approach to transforming photon and spin-based quantum data. Researchers aim to leverage all characteristics of chromium sulfide bromide for potential applications in upcoming technologies.
The long-term objective is that you might be able to develop quantum systems or gadgets leveraging one, two, three, or possibly all four of these characteristics: using photons for transmitting data, utilizing electrons for processing info via their interactions, employing magnetism as a means to retain data, and harnessing phonons to adjust and convert information into different frequency ranges,” explained the study’s co-author.
Mackillo Kra
, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Michigan, stated
statement
.
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