Chapter 255 Topological Quantum States and Majorana Fermions

"In general, the research work is still proceeding in an orderly manner. Compared with the previous generation of superconducting quantum computers, the island quantum computer can already realize more types of programming. However, in general, it is still some relatively simple programming. Complex programs such as calculating high-temperature superconductors are still impossible to carry out."

Xu You also felt a little regretful about Han Shubin's answer.

Of course, this was something Xu You had expected.

After all, it is definitely not easy to apply quantum computer technology well right away.

If it is really possible to use the island quantum computer to solve the computing problems of high-temperature superconducting materials.

As the critical temperature of superconductors continues to increase, humans may really be entering a new technological era.

Research on projects such as controlled nuclear fusion will definitely be put on the agenda.

"Then Academician Han, is there anything else I can do about the island plan?"

Xu You knew that since Han Shubin came to Ji University to see him in person today, he must have something important to discuss with him.

"This generation of island quantum computers is currently mainly engaged in some optimization work, so we don't need to bother you to get involved. However, regarding the new technology of quantum computers in the future, we do need your help."

"Academician Han, please speak."

"Professor Xu, do you know about topological quantum computers?"

After hearing Han Shubin's words, Xu You quickly collected relevant information in his brain.

In the past few years, Xu You has read a lot of books and documents. As long as the knowledge is not so confidential that it cannot be found on the market or on the Internet, Xu You basically has some understanding of it.

"Academician Han, is this the legendary quantum computer that is said to be completely error-free?"

Han Shubin smiled and said:

"That's right. In the concept of topological quantum computers, all sources of computational errors can be bypassed. Of course, so far, this is just a concept, and research on it is still in its infancy. According to the information we have received, in addition to China, other countries are also conducting research and development of topological quantum computer technology."

After hearing what Han Shubin said, Xu You could also guess which countries have already started the research and development of related technologies.

"In addition to being almost error-free, topological quantum computers also have great potential in computing power. If we successfully produce topological qubits, it is not impossible to realize a quantum computer with millions of qubits."

When Xu You heard the number "million quantum bits", he felt a very strong sense of shock in his heart.

The Sea Island superconducting quantum computer just developed by China has more than 1,000 quantum bits, which is already a very large number.

Such a high number of quantum bits makes the speed of quantum computers unimaginably fast.

If the number of quantum bits can reach the terrifying level of one million.

It can really calculate everything it can in an instant.

You know, with every increase in the number of quantum bits, the computing potential of a quantum computer increases exponentially.

At this time, Xu You was already impatient to study new quantum computer technology.

"Academician Han, how can I help here?"

"Because your main research area is condensed matter physics. We hope that you can study the topological quantum states and information processing issues in condensed matter physics. In addition, if you have enough energy, you can also get involved in the study of the properties of Majorana fermions."

Hearing the concept of "Majorana fermions", Xu You asked:

"Academician Han, the properties of Majorana fermions are the key to the success of topological quantum computers, right?"

"Yes. We are also studying related topics, but there are still many problems waiting for us to solve."

"Okay, Academician Han, I am willing to participate in the research of these topics. I still have more than enough energy."

Although Xu You is currently working on several projects.

But relatively speaking, these topics are not as significant as the previous high-temperature superconductivity mechanism.

It is entirely possible to complete the project within a few months.

The new research direction that Han Shubin provided to Xu You is very meaningful and challenging.

Sometimes, finding a suitable research direction is more difficult.

In the following time, Han Shubin and Xu You discussed in detail some key issues of these topics and how to proceed with the projects.

The two projects this time are the key technologies of the "Island No. 2" quantum computer, and are also a national-level project.

Because of Xu You's current status, he no longer needs to report his achievements to Han Shubin like he did last time. Instead, he can apply for the project directly through the state.

As the person in charge of the "Island Plan", Han Shubin will also help Xu You to put in a call, making it easier for Xu You to apply for the project.

…

In the days that followed, Xu You completed the project applications for these two topics closely related to topological quantum computers and entered a new stage of scientific research.

This was the most arduous period of scientific research work in Xu You's history.

Although I don’t have to stay up late every day like I did at the Suzhou Satellite Launch Center .

But as the person in charge of these scientific research projects, Xu You still needs to devote his efforts to each one.

In addition to eating, sleeping, and necessary relaxation activities every day.

Xu You spent the rest of his time on scientific research.

Fortunately, Qiao Sen told Xu You that several graduate students would make time in the next few days to assist Xu You in various scientific research work.

This is indeed very good news for Xu You.

With only Xu You and Lin Shi, it is still a bit difficult to handle the whole thing.

Xu You can't do everything by himself, so the relatively basic work can be handed over to students.

On this day, a very familiar figure appeared in Xu You's laboratory.

It’s Yuan Dong.

After seeing Yuan Dong, Xu You subconsciously said:

"Brother Yuan Dong, you are here?"

Hearing Xu You still calling him Senior Brother , Yuan Dong quickly waved his hand and said:

"Oh my god! Professor Xu, I am your student now, please don't call me that anymore."

After hearing what Yuan Dong said, Xu You finally reacted.

Indeed, he is now a professor in the condensed matter physics experimental group, and Yuan Dong has just become a doctor in the experimental group.

According to this relationship, I am indeed Yuan Dong's teacher.