ETH Zurich demonstrates vibration-based memory for quantum computing

ETH Zurich researchers demonstrated a quantum computing device that stores information in mechanical vibrations while superconducting qubits perform calculations. Its sapphire resonator holds several memory modes at different frequencies in a chip measuring 7.5 by 2.5 by 1 millimeters. In tests, the vibration modes retained quantum states for 127 to 368 microseconds, compared with about 23 microseconds for the processor qubit. The team also ran a three-mode quantum Fourier transform and a period-finding algorithm. Gate errors and limits on how many modes can interact effectively with the qubit remain barriers to scaling.