China’s quantum computing technology is advancing rapidly. The latest breakthrough is a high-performance anti-interference ruthenium oxide thermometer. This device has a temperature measurement limit of nearly 6 millikelvin. It sets a new domestic record, showcasing China’s leap in superconducting quantum computing.
The ruthenium oxide thermometer is vital for quantum computers. Quantum chips need to operate close to “absolute zero” (0 Kelvin or -273.15°C). Tiny temperature changes can disrupt quantum information. Therefore, accurate temperature monitoring is crucial for stable quantum operations.
The current domestic thermometers in China can’t measure below 10 millikelvin. This new thermometer operates between 6 and 200 millikelvin. It offers high accuracy, sensitivity, and continuous measurement capabilities with a quick response time and strong anti-interference capabilities.
The thermometer’s strong anti-interference abilities meet the strict demands of scientific research and industrial applications. It supports the development of domestic superconducting quantum computing.
The ruthenium oxide thermometer plays a pivotal role in quantum computers. Functioning as a core component, it facilitates the measurement of the operational temperature of the system.
Previously, China relied on imported ruthenium oxide thermometers for such low-temperature measurements. This new development reduces dependence on foreign technology. It provides critical support for China’s superconducting quantum computing and related low-temperature technologies. The ability to continuously and accurately measure such extreme low temperatures ensures the stable operation of quantum computers, improving calculation accuracy and reliability.
Quantum bits, or qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers, exist in a delicate quantum state easily disrupted by even the slightest temperature fluctuation. To maintain stable operation and ensure accurate calculations, quantum chips must function in an environment close to absolute zero, the theoretical lower limit of temperature.
“Absolute zero,” often referred to as the “lowest temperature in the universe,” sits at 0 Kelvin, which translates to roughly -273.15 degrees Celsius. At such frigid temperatures, certain materials exhibit superconductivity, a phenomenon where electricity flows with zero resistance. This property is essential for the efficient operation of quantum computers, which rely on the manipulation of quantum bits or qubits.
Beyond the Thermometer: What’s Next?
While the ruthenium oxide thermometer is a significant advancement, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Researchers are actively exploring several avenues to achieve the ultra-low temperatures needed for optimal quantum computer performance. These include:
- Improved Refrigeration Techniques: Developing more efficient and cost-effective methods for reaching and maintaining extremely low temperatures.
- Material Innovation: Exploring new materials with superior thermal properties that can function effectively at near absolute zero.
- Error Correction Techniques: Developing robust methods to mitigate errors that still occur even at these low temperatures.
China’s progress in quantum thermometry, coupled with ongoing research in these other areas, positions the country as a major player in the global race to develop practical quantum computers. The potential impact of this technology is vast, and continued advancements could usher in a new era of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
