A groundbreaking achievement in the field of quantum technologies has been made by a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). For the first time, they have successfully demonstrated the control of quantum randomness. The researchers focused their efforts on understanding and harnessing a unique feature of quantum physics called “vacuum fluctuations.” While a vacuum may typically be thought of as an empty space devoid of matter or light, in the quantum world, even this empty space experiences fluctuations or changes. This concept can be compared to a calm sea suddenly being disrupted by waves. These fluctuations have previously allowed scientists to generate random numbers and have led to the discovery of numerous fascinating quantum phenomena over the past century. The team’s findings have been published in the journal Science.
Probabilistic Computing and the Potential of Controllable Quantum Randomness
In conventional computing, computers operate deterministically, following predefined rules and algorithms to produce the same outcome when a specific operation is repeated. While this deterministic approach has powered the digital age, it has limitations when it comes to simulating the physical world or optimizing complex systems that involve uncertainty and randomness. This is where the concept of probabilistic computing comes into play. Probabilistic computing systems leverage the inherent randomness of certain processes to perform computations. Rather than providing a single correct answer, these systems offer a range of possible outcomes, each with its associated probability. This makes them well-suited for simulating physical phenomena and tackling optimization problems that have multiple potential solutions. However, the practical implementation of probabilistic computing has been hindered by the lack of control over the probability distributions associated with quantum randomness.
The MIT research team has made significant progress in addressing this obstacle. By injecting a weak laser “bias” into an optical parametric oscillator, a system that naturally generates random numbers, they have demonstrated a controllable source of “biased” quantum randomness. This discovery not only allows for the reexamination of long-established concepts in quantum optics but also holds potential for probabilistic computing and ultra-precise field sensing. Through their experiments, the team has successfully manipulated the probabilities associated with the output states of the optical parametric oscillator, creating the first-ever controllable photonic probabilistic bit (p-bit). Moreover, the system has shown sensitivity to the temporal oscillations of bias field pulses, even at levels below that of a single photon.
Yannick Salamin, a member of the research team, comments on the current capabilities of their photonic p-bit generation system, stating that it can produce 10,000 bits per second, each following an arbitrary binomial distribution. The team anticipates that this technology will continue to evolve, leading to higher-rate photonic p-bits and a wider range of applications. Professor Marin Soljačić from MIT emphasizes the significance of the research, highlighting the potential for simulating complex dynamics in areas such as combinatorial optimization and lattice quantum chromodynamics simulations.
The MIT researchers have achieved a major milestone in quantum technologies by demonstrating control over quantum randomness. Through their innovative approach, they have unlocked the potential for probabilistic computing systems that can simulate physical phenomena and optimize complex systems. The ability to manipulate the probabilities associated with quantum randomness opens up new possibilities in various fields, from ultra-precise field sensing to combinatorial optimization. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in our understanding and utilization of quantum physics.
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