Wide-angle abstract visualization of quantum waves in a high-tech setup, AI-generated. By perfectlab for Adobe Stock
Researchers explore innovative quantum fluid platforms that could overcome limitations in current quantum computing technologies
A team from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has identified a promising approach to creating more effective quantum bits (qubits) by utilizing quantum fluids and solids, according to research published in Progress in Quantum Electronics.
The study examines how electrons trapped above ultraclean quantum materials like liquid helium and solid neon could potentially solve key challenges facing quantum computing development.
“This platform blends the best of both worlds,” said Wei Guo, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and co-author of the paper. “The electron resides in high vacuum above a pristine material surface, and at the same time, we can use chip-based microwave technologies to control and read out its state. That’s a very powerful combination.”
Advancing Quantum Computing Through Better Qubits
Quantum computers promise revolutionary computational power for solving complex problems that would take classical computers years to resolve. However, their development depends on creating reliable quantum bits, the fundamental building blocks of quantum information processing.
The most effective qubits must optimize several key parameters: coherence time (how long they maintain quantum states), gate fidelity (accuracy of operations), and scalability (potential for manufacturing large systems). Currently dominant technologies face significant tradeoffs between these crucial factors.
Superconducting qubits, while compatible with existing chip fabrication methods, suffer from material defects that limit fidelity. Trapped-ion systems offer excellent coherence but present scaling challenges due to complex control requirements.
Hybrid Approach Shows Unique Advantages
The review highlights an emerging alternative that combines advantages from both leading platforms: electrons confined above quantum fluids or solids—exotic materials that exist only at extremely low temperatures.
These specialized electrons can be precisely controlled using on-chip microwave circuits similar to superconducting qubits, while benefiting from an ultra-clean environment comparable to trapped ions. This dual advantage could potentially enable high-fidelity, scalable quantum computing without traditional compromises.
“If there’s no quantum bit, then whatever algorithm you develop, there’s no use,” Guo said. “The quantum fluids and solids field is fairly small. The people in this field understand the properties of quantum fluids and solids. But for the much larger quantum information science field, people are not familiar with materials like superfluid helium and solid neon, and how they could be used to make qubits. Now, even researchers and engineers outside this field can use this information to do their design work.”
Building on Breakthrough Research
The article incorporates significant contributions from Guo’s research group, including their 2022 demonstration of quantum bit operation using electrons on solid neon—a breakthrough that attracted substantial scientific attention. More recent research has revealed how electrons can spontaneously bind to surface features on solid neon, forming new quantum states with important implications for qubit development.
The comprehensive review also includes major developments in electron-on-helium qubits and other quantum materials-based platforms from researchers worldwide. By connecting quantum materials science with quantum information engineering, the publication provides a foundation for innovative qubit designs that could accelerate quantum computing progress.
The collaborative review originated at a workshop hosted by the FSU Quantum Initiative. Co-authors include Denis Konstantinov of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and Dafei Jin of the University of Notre Dame. The research received support from the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Julian Schwinger Foundation for Physics Research, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: May 19, 2025.
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