New Superconductor Controlled by Magnetic Fields Shapes the Future of Quantum Computers
International scientists have discovered a new superconductor that can be controlled by magnetic fields. This discovery could revolutionize quantum computing and usher in a new era in the world of science.
A new milestone pushing the boundaries of quantum technology has been recorded when an international team of researchers created a special state of superconductivity that can be controlled by magnetic fields. This discovery takes one step further the potential of superconductors that conduct electricity without electrical resistance and could thus revolutionize technological applications.
Creating Magnetism-Enhanced Superconductors
The new superconductor is a hybrid device consisting of a stable proximitized-superconductor enhanced by magnetism. This device was created using topological insulators equipped with magnetic atoms, which makes it possible to precisely control its superconducting properties. Details of the research were published in the prestigious journal Nature Physics under the title “Magnetically tunable supercurrent in dilute magnetic topological insulator-based Josephson junctions”.
Professor Charles Gould of the Institute for Topological Insulators at the University of Würzburg (JMU) said, “Topological insulators are unique materials that carry electric current on their surface but not on the inside. “Equipping these materials with magnetic atoms and then combining them with a superconductor has enabled the development of controllable superconducting properties,” explains Professor Charles Gould from the Institute of
Revolutionary Steps for Quantum Computers
This new superconductor is crucial for the development of quantum computers. While conventional computers are based on bits, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can take on multiple states simultaneously. However, qubits can be extremely unstable with current technology and this limits the practical applications of quantum computers. The discovery of the new superconductor could allow these qubits to be made more stable against external influences, and therefore more efficient quantum computers.
International Collaboration and Support
This experimental work was conducted by a team led by Professor Laurens W. Molenkamp in Würzburg. The research was carried out in collaboration with international experts such as Professor F. Sebastian Bergeret from the Center for Materials Physics in San Sebastian, Spain, and Professor Teun M. Klapwijk from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. The research was funded by the Complexity and Topology in Quantum Materials (ct.qmat) Cluster of Excellence, the German Research Foundation (DFG), the State of Bavaria, the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), the European research program Horizon 2020 and the EU ERC Advanced Grant Program.
Future Outlook
In addition to quantum computers, the new superconducting technology can be used in areas such as MRI machines, magnetic levitation trains and particle accelerators. The fact that it shows stable superconducting properties even under the influence of magnetic fields diversifies and expands the technological applications of this material. These advances mark the beginning of a new era in superconductivity and quantum technologies, despite the problems still to be solved, such as temperature.
This exciting development holds promise for the future of quantum technologies and opens new doors for scientists, engineers and technology enthusiasts. It remains to be seen how this new superconductor will shape future technologies.
