Quantum information systems promise faster, more powerful computing capabilities than traditional computers, offering potential solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges. However, achieving this potential requires building larger, more interconnected quantum computers—something scientists have yet to fully realize. Scaling these systems to larger sizes and linking multiple quantum systems together remains a significant challenge.

Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) have made a breakthrough by combining two advanced technologies: trapped atom arrays and photonic devices. This innovative approach enables the creation of scalable quantum systems by using photonics to interconnect individual atom arrays, paving the way for advancements in quantum computing, simulation, and networking.

“We have merged two technologies which, in the past, have really not had much to do with each other,” said Hannes Bernien, Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering and senior author of the new work, published in Nature Communications. “It is not only fundamentally interesting to see how we can scale quantum systems in this way, but it also has a lot of practical applications.”

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