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the challenges of quantum hardware

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Much of what our little group studies revolves around building quantum machines...

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There are many approaches to the construction of a quantum computer being studied today. Each approach comes with limitations, drawbacks, and challenges. These include: low-temperature requirements, phase coherence limits, scalability restrictions, and error sources and propagation.

 

But unlike the more conventional research/development approaches common to this field, the QCWG is more of an advanced-concepts team. We scout out and pursue the more radical, riskier pathways to meet the challenges of quantum technology and its applications. We continually seek the unconventional.   

 

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One interest is topological complexity in two-state systems...

 

The image above is a 2D topological insulator (Bi2Te3) which is grown to be only a few quintuple layers thick and

made to have a hole in the center. Such systems are a physical realization of the Corbino geometry from which we can test basic expectations of the interaction of fields with simple topologies. 

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In the 2D Corbino system, the 1D boundary states that are topologically protected are simply connected. But this does not need to be the case. With newly developed synthesis routes we have been able to create topological manifolds that yield complex connectedness within the protected pathways defined by the material. One of these materials is shown here wherein the protected states form two spiral current paths connected by a topological defect in the central habit plane of the crystal​.​

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the Partnership

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Wake Forest University (N/QTL) left, and the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Germany right.

The partnership is supported by various U.S. and German governmental sources as well as some private sources. including Quoherent, a small private venture group located in Al. N/QTL in Winston-Salem (left) also expresses its appreciation to its many forward looking donors.

© 2025 by QCWG.

The opinions expressed here at not those of Wake Forest University and do not represent policy of the University.

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