UNSW Researchers Report Breakthrough Enabling Quantum Computing at Temperatures 15 Times Warmer than Previously Thought Possible

(TheRegister.co.uk) Researchers led by Professor Andrew Dzurak at Sydney’s University of New South Wales say they have demonstrated quantum computing at temperatures 15 times warmer than previously thought possible.
Temperature is important to quantum computing because quantum bits (qubits) – the equivalent classical computing bits running the computer displaying this story – can exist in superconducting circuits or form within semiconductors only at very low temperatures.
They say this breakthrough in the field of quantum computing could ease the technology’s progress to affordability and mass production.
Most quantum computers being developed by the likes of IBM and Google form qubits at temperatures within 0.1 degrees above absolute zero or -273.15°C (-459.67°F). These solid-state platforms require cooling to extremely low temperatures because vibrations generated by heat disrupt the qubits, which can impede performance. Getting this cold requires expensive dilution refrigerators.