Summary
Full-scale quantum computing will require the capability for error-tolerant quantum information processing. Unlike the more familiar Dirac fermions, each of which has a corresponding antiparticle, a Majorana fermion serves as its own antiparticle. Majorana fermions are suitable for error-tolerant quantum information processing because they are governed by non-Abelian statistics and their quantum states are thus topologically protected against most local perturbations. Our strategy for generating Majorana fermions is to combine helical surface states of topological insulators with superconductors. Through combined electrical and magnetic gating, we are working toward a long-term capability to create and manipulate Majorana fermions over a scalable network.
Related Content
Entangled Photon Orbital Angular Momentum Arrays
Summary Arrays of orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of light are a new form of structured light so far relatively unexplored in quantum information science. Unlike spin angular momentum of light, which is related to light’s polarization and covers two dimensions, OAM states, sometimes described as ‘donut beams’ due to the shape of the field […]
September 19, 2019
Quantum State Tomography with Machine Learning
Summary An important challenge in building a quantum computer is quantifying the level of control obtained in the preparation of a quantum state. The state of a quantum device is characterized from experimental measurements, using a procedure known as tomography. Exact tomography requires a vast amount of computer resources, making it prohibitive for quantum […]
June 6, 2018
Quantum Sensing with Small Quantum Systems
Summary There are small quantum systems over which we have very good control and which have long lifetimes. Examples include the phosphorous (P) defect in silicon (Si) and the nitrogen vacancy (NV) defect in diamond. With P defect in Si, we focus on improving our understanding of the hyperpolarization mechanism to better enable engineering of […]
December 1, 2016
Molecular Scale Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Through its phenomenal ability to image soft tissues, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized both clinical medicine and research biomedicine.
September 9, 2016