Quantum entanglement achieved!
- Researchers achieved entanglement between the nuclei (i.e. the “hearts”) of two phosphorus atoms embedded in a silicon chip, separated by ~20 nanometres. - They used the nuclear spins of those atoms to store quantum information (good coherence, well-shielded). - Communication/interaction between the nuclei is mediated via electrons (which couple to each nucleus) using a technique called a geometric gate. - This is a step beyond previous setups where multiple nuclei shared a single electron (i.e. were much more closely tied). Here, the method works even when nuclei are not on the same electron. - Because 20 nm is comparable to dimensions used in modern silicon transistor manufacturing, this suggests compatibility with existing silicon-chip fabrication technologies. - The work paves the way toward scalable quantum computers using long-lived nuclear spin qubits—combining good coherence (from nuclei) with more flexible control (via electrons). https://www.sciencealert.com/breakthrough-quantum-entanglement-achieved-between-the-hearts-of-two-atoms#