Quantum Computation with Quantum Dots and Terahertz Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics

BACKGROUND: A quantum computer processes quantum information, which is stored in "quantum bits" (qubits). The recent explosion of interest in quantum computation can be traced to Shor's demonstration in 1994 that a quantum computer could exponentially speed up factorization of integers. This application is of great interest in commerce and national defense because the difficulty in factoring large integers is the basis for public-key encryption. Algorithms that dramatically speed up other common tasks, such as searching a large database, have also been demonstrated.

DESCRIPTION: Scientists have developed a novel architecture for a quantum computer implemented in a semiconductor. This quantum computer will use electrons in "quantum dots" and cavity quantum electrodynamics at Terahertz frequencies to effect quantum logic operations. Many quantum dots (QDs) are located in a microcavity. A pair of gates controls the energy levels in each QD. A universal quantum logic operation involving any pair of QDs can be effected by a sequence of gate-voltage pulses that tune the QD energy levels into resonance with frequencies of the cavity or a laser.

ADVANTAGES: Only two other semiconductor implementations of quantum computers have been proposed. The principles involved in the cavity-QED proposal are completely different. Functionally, this proposal differs in the important respect that quantum logic operations can be performed that couple arbitrary pairs of qubits in the computer, whereas the other proposals are limited to coupling qubits that are nearest neighbors. In addition, the "quanta" of energy that must be detected in the University of California cavity-QED proposal are more than 100 times larger than in the other proposals, lessening requirements on cooling and simplifying read-out.

Patents:
US 6,988,058   [MORE INFO]

Type of Offer: Licensing



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