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Quantum computing
ChinaScience

China makes prototype fridge able to reach quantum computing temperatures

  • Almost ‘absolute zero’ device will help develop sector needing extremely cold conditions
  • Home-grown means another move closer to nation being technologically self-reliant

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Prototype of a new “refrigerator” capable of reaching the ultra-low temperatures needed for quantum computing. Photo: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Holly Chik
Chinese scientists have developed a prototype “refrigerator” capable of reaching the ultra-low temperatures needed for quantum computing.
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According to state-run media, the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing believes the new made-in-China cooler can tackle a major problem in quantum computing and is a big step towards the country becoming technologically self-reliant.
A real challenge for quantum computing – which has the potential to do many things, including speeding up the development of artificial intelligence – is the need for extremely cold and isolated environments.

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Ji Zhongqing, a research fellow at the academy, told Science and Technology Daily on Tuesday: “The team will continue to improve technology so that a new generation of refrigerators under construction will reach the quality of imported products in terms of usability and stability.”

Xinhua, also on Tuesday, said the machine can realise an ultra-low temperature just 0.01 degrees Celsius higher than absolute zero, which is -273.15 degrees Celsius. Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, where nothing can be colder.

Qubits, or the central part of quantum computers, must be kept very cold inside a special refrigerator near the temperature where atoms stop moving. China has invested huge amounts in quantum computing.

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