IBM and Google, two of the biggest players in the quantum computing space, are facing a significant hurdle in their quest to build a reliable and scalable quantum computer. One of the key challenges is the “noise” created by quantum bits, or qubits, which can cause errors in calculations and limit the performance of the system.
However, a new material called “silicon carbide” may hold the key to solving this problem. Silicon carbide is a revolutionary material that has been used for decades in electronics and semiconductors. But recently, scientists have discovered that it may also have unique properties that make it ideal for use in quantum computing.
One of the key benefits of silicon carbide is that it can help to reduce the effects of noise in qubits. This is because the material has a high level of crystal purity, which makes it less susceptible to the interference that can occur in other materials.
In addition, silicon carbide has a unique property called “spin” that makes it possible to store quantum information for longer periods of time. This is because the material has a low level of spin decoherence, which means that qubits made from silicon carbide can retain their quantum states for longer periods of time.
The potential benefits of silicon carbide for quantum computing have not gone unnoticed by IBM and Google. Both companies have invested heavily in researching the material and its potential applications in quantum computing.
IBM has already published several papers on the subject, including a recent study that demonstrated how silicon carbide could be used to create stable qubits. Google, meanwhile, has teamed up with researchers from UC Santa Barbara to study the material and its potential applications in quantum computing.
The research being conducted by IBM and Google is still in the early stages, and it will likely be several years before we see the first quantum computers built using silicon carbide. However, the potential benefits of the material are clear, and it could represent a major breakthrough in the quest to build reliable and scalable quantum computers.
In addition to IBM and Google, several other companies and research institutions are also exploring the potential applications of silicon carbide in quantum computing. These include the University of Chicago, which recently received a $10 million grant to research the material, and several startups that are developing new technologies based on silicon carbide.
Overall, the discovery of silicon carbide is a major development in the field of quantum computing. While there is still much work to be done, the potential benefits of the material are clear, and it could represent a significant step forward in the quest to build the first reliable and scalable quantum computers.
