Quantum computing

Research update: Multiple steps toward the ‘quantum singularity’Over three days in December, four research groups announced progress on a quantum-computing proposal made two years ago by MIT researchers.

Proving quantum computers feasibleWith a new contribution to probability theory, researchers show that relatively simple physical systems could yield powerful quantum computers.

Watching electrons move at high speedNew MIT system allows femtosecond-resolution movie of electrons in a topological insulator, a promising new electronic material.

A one-way street for spinning atomsWork correlating ultracold atoms’ spin with their direction of motion may help physicists model new circuit devices and unusual phases of matter.

10-year-old problem in theoretical computer science fallsInteractive proofs — mathematical games that underlie much modern cryptography — work even if players try to use quantum information to cheat.

Single-photon transmitter could enable new quantum devicesLong-sought goal for quantum devices — the ability to transmit single photons while blocking multiple photons — is finally achieved.

Clarice Aiello: Finding quantum gold in diamond’s defect

What lies ahead for science and science writing?10th anniversary of MIT Graduate Program in Science Writing celebrates past, looks to future.

Scott Aaronson wins NSF’s Alan T. Waterman AwardNational Science Foundation’s most prestigious award will help fuel CSAIL researcher’s work.

Paola Cappellaro wins AFOSR Young Investigator AwardDepartment of Nuclear Science and Engineering assistant professor is investigating a bottom-up approach to quantum information devices.

Quantum computing with lightA switch that lets one photon alter the quantum state of another could point the way to both practical quantum computers and a quantum Internet.

Hippie daysHow a handful of countercultural scientists changed the course of physics in the 1970s and helped open up the frontier of quantum information.

Long live the qubit!The power of quantum computers depends on keeping them in a fragile quantum-mechanical state — which researchers have found a new way to extend.

Paola Cappellaro: a quantum engineer on the frontier of knowledgeSpotlight on Women in Nuclear Science and Engineering

The quantum singularityA new experiment would use quantum effects to perform otherwise intractable calculations, but conducting it should be easier than building a quantum computer.

Can fluid dynamics offer insights into quantum mechanics?Experiments in which fluid droplets mimic the odd behavior of subatomic particles recall an abandoned interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Supran works to light up the grid, one quantum dot at a time

Quantum computing may actually be usefulA quantum algorithm that solves systems of linear equations could point in a promising new direction.