Physicists have unveiled a significant connection between the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and quantum computing, revealing that top quarks produced at the LHC exhibit a property known as "magic," which is essential for advancing quantum computation.
This discovery, led by Professor Chris White from Queen Mary University of London and his twin brother, Professor Martin White from the University of Adelaide, highlights the potential of quantum computers to surpass traditional computing capabilities. The property of "magic" is critical in determining the efficiency of quantum systems, indicating how challenging it is to compute certain problems using non-quantum methods.
The research indicates that the amount of "magic" in top quarks is influenced by their speed and direction, measurable by the ATLAS and CMS detectors at the LHC. Professor Martin White noted, "The ATLAS experiment has already observed evidence of quantum entanglement. We have shown that the LHC can also observe more complex patterns of quantum behavior, at the highest energies yet attempted for these kinds of experiments."
The implications of this research are vast, particularly in fields such as drug discovery and materials science, where quantum computers could revolutionize processes. However, achieving this potential depends on the ability to generate and control robust quantum states, with "magic" playing a pivotal role in that endeavor.
This groundbreaking work establishes a new bridge between quantum information theory and high-energy physics, as emphasized by Professor Chris White: "By studying 'magic' in top quark production, we create a new bridge between these two exciting areas of physics." The LHC is positioned as a unique platform for exploring the frontiers of quantum theory, opening new avenues for research and application.