Quantum computing

Researchers build an all-optical transistor

An optical switch that can be turned on by a single photon could point toward new designs for both classical and quantum computers.

July 4, 2013

The Aaronson-Arkhipov sampling experiment can be thought of as the quantum-optical equivalent of a Galton board, a 19th-century device invented to illustrate some basic principles of probability theory.

Research update: Multiple steps toward the ‘quantum singularity’

Over three days in December, four research groups announced progress on a quantum-computing proposal made two years ago by MIT researchers.

January 18, 2013

The possible quantum states of a chain of particles can be represented as points in space, with lines connecting states that can be swapped with no change in the chain's total energy. MIT researchers and their colleagues
showed that such networks are densely interconnected, with heavily trafficked pathways between points.

Proving quantum computers feasible

With a new contribution to probability theory, researchers show that relatively simple physical systems could yield powerful quantum computers.

November 27, 2012

Three-dimensional graphical representations of the way electrons respond to an input of energy, delivered by a pulse of laser light. The horizontal axis represents the electrons' momentum, and the vertical axis shows their energy. The time sequence runs from top left to bottom right, and the laser pulse arrives just before the second image, causing a sudden burst of higher energy levels.

Watching electrons move at high speed

New MIT system allows femtosecond-resolution movie of electrons in a topological insulator, a promising new electronic material.

September 18, 2012

Elementary particles have a fundamental property called 'spin' that determines how they align in a magnetic field. MIT researchers have created a new physical system in which atoms with clockwise spin move in only one direction, while atoms with counterclockwise spin move in the opposite direction.

A one-way street for spinning atoms

Work correlating ultracold atoms’ spin with their direction of motion may help physicists model new circuit devices and unusual phases of matter.

August 30, 2012

10-year-old problem in theoretical computer science falls

Interactive proofs — mathematical games that underlie much modern cryptography — work even if players try to use quantum information to cheat.

July 31, 2012

An artist's conception shows how any number of incoming photons (top) can be absorbed by a cloud of ultra-cold atoms (center), tuned so that only one single photon can pass through at a time. Being able to produce a controlled beam of single photons has been a goal of research toward creating quantum devices.

Single-photon transmitter could enable new quantum devices

Long-sought goal for quantum devices — the ability to transmit single photons while blocking multiple photons — is finally achieved.

July 25, 2012

Clarice Aiello: Finding quantum gold in diamond’s defect

April 20, 2012

Several newspapers, including "Science Times" and "The New York Times"

What lies ahead for science and science writing?

10th anniversary of MIT Graduate Program in Science Writing celebrates past, looks to future.

March 27, 2012

Scott Aaronson wins NSF’s Alan T. Waterman Award

National Science Foundation’s most prestigious award will help fuel CSAIL researcher’s work.

March 8, 2012

Paola Cappellaro wins AFOSR Young Investigator Award

Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering assistant professor is investigating a bottom-up approach to quantum information devices.

February 15, 2012