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Quantum Computers Evolve Beyond BinaryQuantum Computers Evolve Beyond Binary

Using more than ones and zeroes could solve chemistry and physics problems more easily

Berenice Baker, Editor, Enter Quantum, co-editor AI Business

July 27, 2022

1 Min Read
Ones and zeros
Using different states of quantum particles could offer more processing potential.Getty

Researchers are using the fact that quantum particles can exist in more than two states to develop more powerful quantum computers with smaller processors.

Qubits, the basic unit of quantum information, are usually described as being equivalent to bits in classical computers, which can take on one of two binary states represented by ones and zeros.

However, quantum computing relies on various properties of particles that can exist in more states. Rather than resolve them into one of the two binary states, using all the different states could offer more processing potential.

A team from the University of Innsbruck, Austria, has developed a quantum computer that breaks out of the binary model. It can perform arbitrary calculations with so-called quantum digits, known as qudits, unlocking more computational power with fewer quantum particles.

“The building blocks of quantum computers are more than just zeros and ones. Restricting them to binary systems prevent these devices from living up to their true potential,” said University of Innsbruck experimental physicist Martin Ringbauer.

The Innsbruck quantum computer stores information on individual trapped calcium atoms which have eight different states. Under the binary model, only two of these are used to store information. The new research uses all eight states as qudits and has proved to be as reliable as using two states.

According to the researchers, physics, chemistry and material science use cases could be particularly suited to using qudits rather than qubits.

“Working with more than zeros and ones is very natural, not only for the quantum computer but also for its applications, allowing us to unlock the true potential of quantum systems,” said Ringbauer.

About the Author

Berenice Baker

Editor, Enter Quantum, co-editor AI Business, Informa TechTarget

Berenice is the editor of Enter Quantum and co-editor of AI Business. She has over 20 years of experience as a technology journalist, having previously worked at The Engineer and Global Defence Technology.

Before that, she worked as an IT consultant, fuelling her passion for technology and innovation. She graduated with one of the country's first-ever IT degrees so long ago it coincided with Tim Berners-Lee inventing the World Wide Web.

Berenice lives in north London with her cat Huxley. In her spare time, she enjoys going to music gigs, museums and galleries, dabbling in art and playing guitar (badly).

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