Scientists from Delft University of Technology and the FOM Foundation have succeeded in very accurately reading out a mini-quantum computer comprising four quantum bits on a chip of diamond. It marks an important step towards a quantum computer and makes it possible to test quantum algorithms, such as teleportation, on a chip. The researchers published their results 21 September online in Nature.

A major challenge along the path to realising a quantum computer and the associated large-scale quantum hardware is the initialisation and reading out of the minuscule quantum bits. The spin rotation of both individual electrons and atomic nuclei functions as a quantum bit: left spin is a ‘0′, and right spin is a ‘1′. Atomic nuclei are highly stable quantum bits as they scarcely interact with their surroundings. However, this property also makes it difficult to read out the state of atoms. A team from Delft University of Technology under the leadership of FOM scientist Dr.ir. Ronald Hanson has now solved this problem by using a captured electron as an intermediate station in the measurement.

Reading out quantum bits
The researchers can now determine the state (spin direction) of the electron quickly and accurately. They do this by sending laser pulses of an accurately preset wavelength at the electron. The electron absorbs the light and transmits it again if it is in the ‘0′ state but does nothing if it is in the ‘1′ state.

To read out the spin direction of the atomic nuclei as well, the researchers first perform a quantum operation. The electron then gets entangled with the atomic nuclei, and the information about the atom is transferred to the electron. The researchers subsequently read out the state of the electron and from this derive the original state of the atomic nuclei.

This measurement technique is special because the measurement does not alter the state of the atomic nuclei. It is therefore an ideal way of preparing the atomic nuclei for further quantum calculations and so for use in a quantum computer. The researchers demonstrated their technique on a mini-quantum computer comprising four quantum bits on a diamond chip.

Diamond future
The discovery that the fundamental natural laws of quantum mechanics make it possible to perform ultrafast calculations and transmit information completely securely, has elicited a worldwide race to construct the necessary ‘quantum hardware’. For the past few years diamond has been the favourite material as quantum states are scarcely disrupted in this. This new read-out technique for quantum bits in diamond provides the researchers with many possibilities. For example, they want to test interesting phenomena such as teleportation and multiparticle entanglement in the laboratory. The read-out also makes it possible to implement the correction of elementary quantum errors, an essential aspect of a large-scale quantum computer.

The research was supported by a Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship of the Seventh European Community Framework Programme, FOM, the European Commission (SOLID) and the Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA).

Source:http://www.domain-b.com/technology/20110923_computer.html

UK based Blue Chip Technology has announced the launch of its RE2, high performance, ultra-low power single board computer. Available with a wide range of peripherals such as GPS, GPRS, networking, camera, audio, usb, wi-fi, Bluetooth and a powerful graphics capability, the RE2 has already secured contracts for use in telematic systems, access control and public media systems.

Blue Chip Technology is one of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of industrial and embedded computers. The company designs and manufactures computer boards for a broad range of industrial sectors such as automotive, public transportation, medical, defence and energy. Blue Chip Technology provides mission critical computer systems to engineering and media projects around the world. “The RE2 is without doubt a very powerful board for its size,” said Barry Husbands, Managing Director of Blue Chip Technology. “Basically, we’ve sought to exploit the chip technology of leading edge smart-phones in order to achieve maximum performance, minimal footprint, 24/7 reliability and minimal power usage. The outcome has exceeded all our expectations, and for us, this feels like a whole new generation of single board computer – more compact and more feature rich than anything before.”

The RE2 uses the highly respected ARM Cortex A8 and a Texas C64x DSP, enabling it to handle high quality graphics such as moving media or 3D, whilst also managing complex tasks and a broad range of peripherals. The RE2 is currently available with support for Embedded Windows and Linux; with support for other operating systems available on request. The board is also available in an ‘extended temperature’ version, making it ideal for rugged industrial and scientific applications. “For engineers looking to make a ’step up’ for their next project, we think they should take a look at the RE2,” said Barry Husbands. “Especially if the project involves a graphical interface such as an HMI. A high quality HMI can really add value to an embedded system, whether it’s medical, industrial control, an electronic dashboard or simply an access control system. In this respect, the RE2 offers one of the best capabilities available and needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.” Although the RE2 is available off-the-shelf in its standard form, Blue Chip Technology also offers a customisation service, enabling it to provide hardware specific to the needs of its customers. Blue Chip Technology also offers extensive software support and a complete product manufacturing and testing service.

The company has recently tripled its manufacturing capacity with investment in new surface mount production technology. About Blue Chip Technology Ltd Blue Chip Technology Ltd is a European leader in the design and manufacture of industrial and embedded computer systems. Blue Chip Technology serves a wide range of industries, from mission critical systems to the global railway industry to diagnostic test equipment for the automotive sector. It provides a range of standard products such as COM (ETX,XTX and COM Express) and rack mounted PC’s but also manufactures high volumes of customer specific hardware. In addition to its technical capabilities, Blue Chip Technology has gained a reputation for being a trustworthy and co-operative supplier, working closely with its clients during development, and reliably delivering components and products to schedule.

Source:http://www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=40548