Rutgers University of New Brunswick researchers have produced a new material known as a “Quantum Anomalous Hall Insulator”. Using multiple layering and combinations of chromium, vanadium, antimony, bismuth, and tellurium, the insulator was etched into the Hall bar shape manually. Further enhancing efficiency was a 15nm layer of gold to reduce electrical interference in the system. Efficiency is paramount to quantum computers. Preventing the loss of electrical energy through one-way control of flowing electrons is a boom to efficiency. It is envisioned the resultant efficiency will push quantum computing well-beyond the current semi-conductor supercomputers in use. Challenges remain, though, a major one being the performance at “warm” temperatures. Testing at temperatures above the -459.67F is a near-term goal which, if successful, will permit easier incorporation of the QAHI into electronics.
