Silicon Quantum Bits Communicate over Relatively Long Distances

A Princeton University research team has shown that silicon quantum bits (qubits), mediated by a microwave photon, can interact even when spaced relatively far apart on a computer chip. The ability to transmit messages across relatively long distances on a silicon chip using multiple qubits could open new possibilities for quantum computing. The Princeton team, led by professor Jason Petta, connected the qubits via a narrow cavity that carried light in a way similar to the fiber optic cables that deliver internet signals to homes and businesses. The cavity contained a single photon, which could receive a message from one qubit and transmit it to the next qubit. The two qubits were located about one-half centimeter apart. (To put that...