A color center in a diamond: In this so-called tin vacancy, a tin atom (Sn) sits between two missing carbon atoms (transparent spheres) in the diamond lattice. The blue spheres are the surrounding carbon atoms (C) of the diamond.
We can compare them to the bits in classical computers, i.e., memory locations that contain 1 or 0. Color centers are our quantum bits, or qubits for short. A great feature of qubits is that they can also assume states between 1 and 0, e.g., 25% 1 and 75% 0.
Another great property of color centers is that they can emit their quantum state (1 or 0 or something in between) as a single light particle. This light particle is red in color and can be guided into a glass fiber and thus sent. This is quantum communication.
As impressive as the properties of these color centers are, unfortunately they are still far from sufficient for efficient computing or information transfer. To improve this, we build structures around the color centers. This is where the Sawfish Cavity comes into play. A single color center is placed in the middle of the cavity. The cavity then improves the properties of the color center and allows us to efficiently capture the light particle and transmit it via fiber optics.
Quantum computers are considered a technology of the future. When and how will they become noticeable in our everyday lives?
Quantum computers are on their way. Many outstanding scientists around the world are researching them and repeatedly demonstrating their progress with impressive experiments.