Scientists place high hopes on quantum computers using the phenomena of quantum superposition and quantum entanglement for processing and data transmission. But so far no one has succeeded in creating quantum memory chips. Employees of the California Institute of Technology were the first to create a microprocessor capable of storing quantum information in the form of light in qubits. Experts consider this a very important step, because such chips will allow quantum computing technology to step forward.

The chip contains an array of memory modules measuring 15 by 0.7 micrometers. Each module includes an optical element that captures and holds the photon inside. Before working, the chip is cooled to -272.7 degrees Celsius, after which the researchers activated the laser to deliver photons to the memory modules. Modules can hold photons for 75 nanoseconds, after which the light went further. At the output, the information contained in the photons was checked for coincidence with the original. The percentage of errors based on the results of the experiment was only 3%.

In traditional computer memory, the "bit" information unit is stored either as a unit or as a zero. Quantum computers work with information presented in the form of qubits - "quantum bits". Unlike bits, qubits can be not only zero or one, but both can be simultaneously. And this, in turn, allows you to store and process information more effectively. A team of researchers from the California Institute of Technology published the results of their research in the journal Science.