Exploring the Quantum world: from Games to Diamond Qubits and Secure Quantum Communication

Nowadays electronic devices such as processors are continuously miniaturized in order to achieve better performance on a smaller scale with less power consumption. A research trend to achieve this objective is to outperform classical computers working with classical bits by building a quantum computer where the quantum bits (qubits) are made out of single atoms. Nevertheless, several approaches reach the target only working in high vacuum or at very low temperatures, making difficult their real utilization. This is not the case for diamond. Its unique lattice properties protect the qubits such that devices could even be run under ambient conditions.

The goal of this exhibit is to promote understanding of the quantum phenomena that are being harnessed for ICT. Visitors will be introduced to what the term “quantum” actually means, and its implications for information and communication.

Commercial products exist and, based on the fundamentally random nature of quantum physics, have been used in applications such as information security (for cryptographic keys or passwords generation), gaming, lotteries, and scientific research. A quantum random number generator will be used to draw winning numbers in a roulette game where visitors can play to win small prizes.

These qubits in diamond are related to entities called spins that are associated with deliberately created defects in the diamond lattice. For quantum computing, each spin represents one qubit and is used to store quantum information. However, defect center spins in diamond have a further remarkable property. They are very sensitive to magnetic fields and can be used as the world’s smallest sensors.

Contact: Dr Kamna Pruvost

Primary affiliation: Oxford University
Position: Programme Manager and Research Facilitator
City: Oxford
Country: United Kingdom
Web Site: http://www.ox.ac.uk/

Stand: 19