Ytterbium

French and Swiss research teams have tested varying amplitude and direction of magnetic fields around atoms of the rare earth element, Ytterbium. The teams have found a “magic point” which permits a thousand-fold increase in coherence. Such a discovery helps move along the concept of building quantum computing networks with the aid of quantum repeaters. High-coherence (longevity) is needed to ensure signals sent are alive for the entire distance to the receiver, or the next repeater as the case may be.