For the first time, humans "see" the quantum spin effect directly

According to a recent report by the National University of Singapore (NUS), the international research team led by scientists from the school has directly seen the quantum spin phenomenon of topological insulators and in metals, paving the way for the development of advanced quantum computer components and devices in the future. The path to the quantum computer is one step closer.

Quantum computers are still in the early stages of research and development, but their computing speed is already millions of times faster than that of conventional technologies. Its extraordinary computing power is made possible. The “behind the scenes” is a new way of operating quantum computers. Use light instead of electricity.

Conventional computers use electronics to encode information into binary states of 0 and 1, while quantum computers use lasers to interact with electrons in the material to measure the spin phenomenon of electrons. The states of these spin electrons replace 0 and 1, and since they can exist in several spin states simultaneously, more complex calculations can be performed.

How to Visualize the quantum spin effect?

However, it is much easier to use the interaction of light and electrons to achieve this. Since these interactions are very complex and there is always some uncertainty in predicting their behavior, scientists have been looking for reliable and practical methods to observe these quantum effects in the hope of discovering more advanced quantum effects.

The real breakthrough achieved by Yang Xianxiu’s team, an associate professor at the Faculty of Electronics and Computer Engineering at NUS, was the first use of a scanning light voltage microscope to “see” the specific spin phenomenon in the topological insulator selentelluride and platinum. Since the applied current influences the electron spin of the quantum planes of all these materials, they can observe this change directly with polarized light from the microscope.

Also, unlike other observation techniques, the new experimental set-up can be operated at room temperature and is therefore suitable for a variety of different materials, making it easier to develop better quantum computers.

Next, the Yang Xianxiu team will test its new methods on novel materials with novel spin properties. They also want to work with industry partners to further explore the various applications of this unique technology, focusing on the development of devices for use in future quantum computers.