Quantum computing breakthroughs: Solutions for the future

Quantum physics remains unintuitive but increasingly familiar to scientists

The quantum world of small particles is highly unfamiliar to most of us. It relies on entirely different laws of physics, allowing particles to pass through solid barriers or exist in two states simultaneously. Experts in applied electrodynamics and telecommunications note that quantum technologies and quantum computers hold immense potential, but their development faces both fundamental physics and engineering challenges.

According to researchers, quantum physics, unlike branches of classical physics, is unintuitive and involves phenomena where very small particles operate.

"We build our experience in the surrounding world from birth, so we understand mechanics, optics, electrodynamics, and other areas of classical physics intuitively. In quantum physics, we encounter phenomena like quantum tunneling or quantum superposition, which we do not find in classical physics. Understanding these phenomena intuitively is difficult because we rarely encounter them, but in the particle world, these phenomena are an everyday reality," explains a physics expert.

Quantum tunneling allows particles to pass through a certain obstacle that they could not overcome according to classical physics. In other words, quantum particles can "tunnel" to find themselves on the other side of a barrier. Equally interesting is the phenomenon of quantum superposition, which allows quantum particles to be in multiple places or multiple states at the same time. As an example of these principles, researchers often point to electron spins, which are frequently studied in this field.

"Spin is a quantum property of particles, including the electron, which can be imagined as a tiny magnet or compass needle obeying the laws of quantum physics. When in a state of quantum superposition, this needle points both up and down at the same time," the researcher clarifies.

Experts emphasize that it is still difficult for scientists to grasp the philosophy behind quantum physics, even though researchers have mastered the mechanics quite well. We already have the first quantum computers that can solve specific problems.

"In a classical computer, we have a bit and encode information as 1 and 0, but in the case of a quantum computer, we have a quantum bit, or 'qubit.' An example of a qubit is the electron spin, which can be in multiple states simultaneously. This is exactly what allows certain calculations to be performed extremely quickly," the scientist notes.

In the quantum world, we will search for new drugs and secure our data

It is expected that quantum computers will be able to solve highly complex problems that classical computers cannot overcome. One such application area is the search for chemical reactions and new drugs.

"Molecules operate in chemical reactions and drug development processes, obeying the laws of quantum physics. Therefore, trying to model a molecule using a classical computer presents many challenges, and the larger the molecule, the more difficult it is to study. This is especially relevant when modeling proteins or other large molecules, whose research requires a tremendous amount of computing resources. A quantum computer would allow these calculations to be performed much faster," experts explain.

A powerful quantum computer could also become a strategic asset for nations. Today, when making a bank transfer or transmitting other confidential information, classical cryptographic encryption algorithms are used, where information is encoded with certain asymmetric algorithms. Decrypting such data with a classical computer would take an enormous amount of time, but quantum computers could handle it very easily.

"It is believed that at some point classical encryption algorithms will become vulnerable, so the nation that first constructs a powerful quantum computer will have an advantage over others. Today, a quantum computer capable of solving such problems does not exist, but the number of qubits in quantum computers is rapidly increasing, so the goal is gradually being approached," the researcher says. Recent quantum computing news often highlights these rapid advancements.

Quantum physics also provides a solution to the vulnerability of classical encryption algorithms by enabling a new type of data encryption. Here, information is encoded using the laws of quantum physics, making it impossible to intercept such encoded data unnoticed.

"A message encoded with quantum physics algorithms cannot be intercepted without leaving a trace, so the communicating parties would realize they are being listened to," the scientist says.

Quantum computing breakthroughs do not make supercomputers obsolete everywhere

For tasks requiring massive computing resources, we use supercomputers today, but quantum computers already exist that perform certain specific tasks much faster.

"Back in 2019, Google created a 53-qubit quantum processor that outperformed a classical supercomputer processor. Although the problem this computer solved was highly specific, quantum supremacy was demonstrated for the first time—the first time in history a quantum computer 'beat' a supercomputer," the researcher explains.

Google's quantum computer solved the aforementioned problem in a few minutes, whereas a supercomputer would have needed 10,000 years. Intense debates are still ongoing regarding the exact speed differences, but the advantage exists in any case. On the other hand, the main drawback of a quantum computer remains the specificity and narrowness of the tasks it solves.

"It may be that a quantum computer will be dedicated only to solving certain specific tasks. Even if we have a designated problem, the quantum computer might need to be adapted to that problem. The prevailing opinion is that quantum computers will never become universal, but until recently, the same was thought about the classical computers we use every day, so it is hard to predict for now," the scientist says.

The search for materials dedicated to quantum memory

Researchers collaborating with University College London (UCL) are investigating materials that could be applied to quantum memory—one of the components of the future quantum computer and quantum internet. The quantum memory being studied by scientists is based on electron spins that are embedded in silicon and other materials.

"Silicon is one of the main materials in the modern electronics industry, so we aim to create quantum memory based specifically on this material. We characterize electron spins in silicon using electron paramagnetic resonance. This method is somewhat similar to the magnetic resonance found in medicine, which allows imaging of a patient's internal organs.

In our case, instead of imaging, we measure how long the state of quantum superposition of electron spins—i.e., quantumness—is maintained. We can maintain the quantum state of electron spins for up to several seconds, but we aim to extend this time even further," the researcher notes.

Although quantum computers with an increasing number of qubits are being developed, there is still a long way to go before they can be usefully applied. One of the main challenges is maintaining the quantum state during calculation.

"Today, several different quantum computer architectures dominate, which rely on different qubit systems and therefore have different properties. It is still unclear which architecture will become the winner. Some researchers study electron spins, but the previously mentioned Google computer uses superconducting qubits—very small electrical circuits made of superconductors that behave like quantum systems.

"Electron spin qubits maintain their quantum state for several seconds, while superconducting qubits only for a few microseconds—a million times shorter. Therefore, there are considerations to create hybrid quantum computers that would feature the best properties of different architectures," the expert explains.

Another extremely complex challenge in developing quantum computers is ensuring the interaction between qubits. This poses problems from both a fundamental physics and engineering perspective.

"We face an ambiguous situation because quantum systems need to be very well isolated from environmental noise, but at the same time, we need to ensure the interaction between qubits and the interaction with the computer's control interface. All this currently causes many additional engineering difficulties. For example, qubit systems often need to be cooled to near absolute zero temperatures," the scientist says.

Startups inspired by the examples of famous physicists

While working at University College London, researchers co-founded a startup developing cryogenic amplifier technologies for electron paramagnetic resonance.

"We 'borrowed' the very idea of cryogenic amplifiers from quantum technologies, where these amplifiers are used to boost signals. Cryogenic amplifiers can improve device sensitivity and shorten measurement time by up to 100 times. So if an experiment usually takes a day or a week, with these amplifiers it can be done in an hour," the researcher shares.

The researcher states that founding the startup was inspired by working with one of the most prominent specialists in spin quantum physics, Prof. John Morton, who perfectly balances a scientific career and business.

"The example of Prof. J. Morton contributed to the idea of a startup. In addition to a successful scientific career, he has founded several startups that have attracted millions in investments. This person was excellent proof that by systematically pursuing a goal, one can perfectly combine science with business development," the researcher asserts.

The scientist also notes the strong startup culture that has taken root at institutions like University College London, which serves as a model for research centers globally.

"University College London strongly encourages the creation of startups and has special programs, so once an invention is created and its applicability assessed, a startup is immediately considered. Scientists themselves are often afraid to risk and invest the necessary funds at the beginning of a startup's operations, so the university's financial encouragement really adds motivation and contributes to building a startup culture," the scientist states.

For the further application of cryogenic amplifier technologies in electron paramagnetic resonance research, the project also received a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellowship grant.

Global research infrastructure rivals the world's best universities

When comparing scientific work at top-tier global institutions like University College London with emerging research hubs, scientists find very few major differences in capability.

"The electron paramagnetic resonance infrastructure dedicated to scientific research in modern international laboratories is truly on par with what is found in London. However, some institutions have much less bureaucracy, and their procurement systems are significantly simpler, allowing necessary items to be purchased faster. These are differences in institutional and national approaches rather than academic capability. While base salaries may vary by region, there are many additional funding sources available globally, so with effort and desire, the highest international standards can be achieved anywhere," the scientist shares from experience.

Various international funds and university endowments contribute to the mobility of researchers, allowing them to return to their home institutions with new expertise.

"Many researchers never plan to stay abroad permanently. They often know before leaving that they will return to their home universities to continue their research. By signing associate researcher agreements with their Alma Mater, they remain closely connected, using major hubs like London as a temporary stop to gain knowledge," the researcher admits. This global exchange of talent is what will ultimately drive the quantum technology future.