Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have announced a groundbreaking development in quantum computing, utilising laser technology and everyday display components to create a more accessible computing system. Achieved through the efforts of the Structured Light Lab, this innovation promises to advance the capabilities of quantum computing in various sectors, including logistics, finance, and artificial intelligence.
The research, published in APL Photonics and highlighted as an editor's pick, details an approach that diverges from traditional computing methods. Dr. Isaac Nape, the Optica Emerging Leader Chair in Optics at Wits, described the conventional operation of computers as functioning like switchboards, relying on binary yes or no decisions. In contrast, the Wits team's system employs laser beams to engage with multiple possibilities simultaneously. This method offers significant enhancements in computing power and speed.
Dr. Nape elaborated, stating, "Our approach uses laser beams to process multiple possibilities simultaneously, dramatically increasing computing power.” The innovation was made possible by leveraging simple components such as laser beams, standard digital displays akin to those in projectors, and basic lenses. The researchers effectively linked the behaviour of light with the necessary mathematical operations required for quantum computing, specifically those involving multiplication and addition through vectors and matrices—all executed at the speed of light.
As part of their experimentation, the team successfully implemented the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm, which efficiently discerns whether a computer's operation is random or predictable—a task for which quantum computers excel compared to classical machines. Mwezi Koni, one of the MSc students involved in the project, highlighted the system's capacity to handle a broader spectrum of information. "We've shown that our system can work with 16 different levels of information instead of just the two used in classical computers," Koni stated. He added that in theory, this approach could expand to manage millions of levels, significantly enhancing the processing of intricate information.
This technological advancement holds particular promise for South Africa and other emerging economies, characterised by its low-cost and accessible materials. Bezuidenhout, another member of the research team, emphasized the advantages of using light for these calculations, noting, "It moves incredibly fast and can process multiple calculations simultaneously. This makes it perfect for handling complex problems that would take traditional computers much longer to solve."
The initiative is part of the WitsQ Quantum Initiative and receives support from the South African Quantum Initiative (SAQuTI), which underscores the nation's commitment to remaining at the forefront of advanced computing research. The team is now focused on further refining their system's capabilities, potentially paving the way for even more powerful computing solutions in the future.
Overall, this development represents a significant stride towards decreasing the barriers to advanced computing technology, particularly for regions where financial constraints inhibit access to leading-edge infrastructure. By utilising readily available components, the Wits researchers are broadening the horizons for quantum computing and its applications across diverse fields.
Source: Noah Wire Services