Difficulty in maintaining the quantum state of subatomic particles is a major challenge in developing quantum computers. Princeton researchers have managed to maintain quantum data through use of diamonds infused with two carbon atoms per every silicon atom. These ‘flawed’ diamonds ‘could serve as quantum repeaters for networks based on qubits’ just as current networking systems have repeaters to keep signals strong between sender and receiver. Through collaboration with industry, the researchers created electrically neutral, flawed diamonds. The silicon vacancy, as it is called, is capable of transmitting quantum state via photons while storing it using electrons. Both aspects are necessary to create entangled qubits which are needed to create verifiably secure communication channels (cybersecurity). Well-written piece at the below link.
(Image Credit: Graphic courtesy of the Nathalie de Leon lab)
