Mathematicians have developed a method to enhance a previously ineffective quantum computing technique by reintroducing a class of particles that had been overlooked.
Quantum computers possess the ability to tackle problems that classical computers cannot, utilizing concepts such as superposition. This allows a quantum bit, or qubit, to symbolize both 0 and 1 at the same time, reminiscent of the thought experiment featuring a cat that is both dead and alive. However, qubits are incredibly delicate, and their interaction with the environment can easily disrupt their quantum states, complicating the development of consistent quantum computers.
Recent research published in the journal Nature Communications highlights that, when paired with previously discarded mathematical elements, a specific kind of quasiparticle known as an Ising anyon could alleviate this fragility. These neglected components have been termed “neglectons.”
Ising anyons are constrained to two-dimensional systems and play a crucial role in topological quantum computing. Unlike traditional particles, anyons store information not in the particles themselves but in their braiding patterns around one another, allowing for more robust processing against environmental noise.
Nonetheless, there has been a significant drawback. “The only issue with Ising anyons is their lack of universality,” stated Aaron Lauda, a physics and mathematics professor at the University of Southern California. “It’s akin to having a keyboard missing half its keys.”
The researchers revisited a category of theories called “non-semisimple topological quantum field theory,” which is employed to analyze symmetry in mathematical entities. “This notion is pivotal in particle physics,” Lauda remarked. “It enables the prediction of previously unknown particles through a better understanding of symmetry.”
The previously overlooked components, now seen as particles, compensated for the limitations of Ising anyons. The research team demonstrated that by adding just one neglecton to the system, the particle could achieve universal computation merely through braiding operations.
