Algorithmic Cooling and Scalable NMR Quantum Computers

We present here algorithmic cooling (via polarization-heat-bath)- a powerful method for obtaining a large number of highly polarized spins in liquid nuclear-spin systems at finite temperature. Given that spin-half states represent (quantum) bits, algorithmic cooling cleans dirty bits beyond the Shannon's bound on data compression, by employing a set of rapidly thermal-relaxing bits. Such auxiliary bits could be implemented using spins that rapidly get into thermal equilibrium with the environment, e.g., electron spins. Cooling spins to a very low temperature without cooling the environment could lead to a breakthrough in nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, and our ``spin-refrigerating'' method suggests that this is possible. The scaling of NMR ensemble computers is probably the main obstacle to building useful quantum computing devices, and our spin-refrigerating method suggests that this problem can be resolved.Comment: 21 pages, 3 figure

Physical Limits of Heat-Bath Algorithmic Cooling

Simultaneous near-certain preparation of qubits (quantum bits) in their ground states is a key hurdle in quantum computing proposals as varied as liquid-state NMR and ion traps. “Closed-system” cooling mechanisms are of limited applicability due to the need for a continual supply of ancillas for fault tolerance and to the high initial temperatures of some systems. “Open-system” mechanisms are therefore required. We describe a new, efficient initialization procedure for such open systems. With this procedure, an $n$-qubit device that is originally maximally mixed, but is in contact with a heat bath of bias $\varepsilon \gg 2^{-n}$, can be almost perfectly initialized. This performance is optimal due to a newly discovered threshold effect: For bias $\varepsilon \ll 2^{-n}$ no cooling procedure can, even in principle (running indefinitely without any decoherence), significantly initialize even a single qubit

US Navy program in small cryocoolers

A Navy program to develop fractional-watt cryocoolers capable of operating below 10 K is discussed. Several varieties of Stirling coolers were built and are under evaluation. In addition, helium gas compressors designed for use with small, closed cycle Joule-Thomson coolers are under development. An overview of the technical aspects of the program are presented

Specific cooling capacity of liquid nitrogen

The assumed cooling process and the method used to calculate the specific cooling capacity of liquid nitrogen are described, and the simple equation fitted to the calculated specific cooling capacity data, together with the graphical form calculated values of the specific cooling capacity of nitrogen for stagnation temperatures from saturation to 350 K and stagnation pressures from 1 to 10 atmospheres, are given

TechNews digests: Jan - Nov 2009

TechNews is a technology, news and analysis service aimed at anyone in the education sector keen to stay informed about technology developments, trends and issues. TechNews focuses on emerging technologies and other technology news. TechNews service : digests september 2004 till May 2010 Analysis pieces and News combined publish every 2 to 3 month

Quantum Computing and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Quantum information processing is the use of inherently quantum mechanical phenomena to perform information processing tasks that cannot be achieved using conventional classical information technologies. One famous example is quantum computing, which would permit calculations to be performed that are beyond the reach of any conceivable conventional computer. Initially it appeared that actually building a quantum computer would be extremely difficult, but in the last few years there has been an explosion of interest in the use of techniques adapted from conventional liquid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments to build small quantum computers. After a brief introduction to quantum computing I will review the current state of the art, describe some of the topics of current interest, and assess the long term contribution of NMR studies to the eventual implementation of practical quantum computers capable of solving real computational problems.Comment: 8 pages pdf including 6 figures. Perspectives article commissioned by PhysChemCom