Physicists Turn Quantum Computer Into Time Crystal
Physicists have turned a quantum processor into a “time crystal,” a state of matter that oscillates periodically without external input. This breakthrough could improve quantum computing by reducing errors that arise as systems scale up.
Time crystals, first theorized in 2012, exhibit unique properties, such as oscillating in their lowest energy state. A specific type, topological time crystals, is particularly stable due to quantum entanglement, allowing the system to maintain order even amid local disturbances.
The experiment demonstrated that a superconducting quantum computer programmed to mimic a topological time crystal could resist environmental noise, showcasing its potential to enhance quantum computing’s reliability. This proof-of-concept highlights the role time crystals could play in advancing practical quantum technologies.