Chinese scientists have developed a high-vacuum storage box for quantum chips, namely a "quantum chip refrigerator," and the device has been put into operation to keep quantum chips fresh, Science and Technology Daily reported on Wednesday.
According to Jia Zhilong, deputy director of the Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center in east China's Anhui Province, quantum chips are the core components of quantum computers.
Unlike traditional integrated circuit chips, quantum chips need to go through a more complex production process, which is influenced by elements such as ambient temperature, cleanliness, noise, vibration, electromagnetic waves and tiny impurity particles.
Jia said that the superconducting material in the quantum chips is highly sensitive to the environment, and it is very easy for them to have a chemical reaction with oxygen and water molecules in the air. Just as foods exposed to the air can get "oxidized and rotten," quantum chips become less fresh if stored in an improper manner.
High-tech device
A view of China's first self-developed high-vacuum storage box for quantum chips, namely a "quantum chip refrigerator." /Hefei Origin Quantum Computing Technology
A view of China's first self-developed high-vacuum storage box for quantum chips, namely a "quantum chip refrigerator." /Hefei Origin Quantum Computing Technology
The Chinese research team developed the new device to provide a high-vacuum storage environment for quantum chips, just like a "quantum chip refrigerator," said Jia.
The device has three storage chambers, with each one operating independently, and an intelligent monitoring system, which assesses the vacuum degree in real time and provides a stable high-vacuum environment for the chip preservation process.
In addition, it is equipped with a human-computer interaction function interface to achieve fully automatic operation.
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