IBM’s superconducting quantum computer.
Photo Source: CNN and IBM
Quantum computing is like a new world for computers, full of exciting possibilities we haven’t even imagined yet. Even though we don’t know much about quantum physics, scientists are eagerly exploring it to find out more. About 15 years ago, Hotta came up with the idea of Quantum Energy Teleportation (QET), which has been studied on paper ever since. While we’re familiar with teleporting quantum states, actually teleporting quantum energy has only become possible in experiments very recently.
In 2023, at Stony Brook University, Kazuki Ikeda achieved a major breakthrough in quantum information science by demonstrating QET using IBM’s real quantum hardware. This groundbreaking accomplishment marks the first instance of its kind, paving the way for new exploration in quantum communication and energy transfer. Ikeda’s findings were published in journal Physical Review Applied (Phys. Rev. Applied 2023, 20).
IBM’s superconducting quantum computer.
Photo Source: CNN and IBM
Ikeda created a unique quantum circuit designed to input energy into a system and then retrieve that energy from a distant location using quantum hardware, following the QET protocol. The process of achieving QET involved three main steps: preparing the ground state, injecting energy, and finally, receiving the energy at the remote location.
He conducted quantum computations utilizing six distinct IBM quantum hardware systems: ibmq lima, ibmq jakarta, ibmq hanoi, ibm cairo, ibm auckland, and ibmq montreal. Additionally, he conducted simulations using a qasm simulator, which can emulate gate operations on the same quantum circuits employed in quantum computation, but on classical computers. The results obtained from observation were then compared with the simulation results to further validate the QET process.
His findings have significant implications for the development of new quantum communication technologies across various timeframes: short, medium, and long term. Moving beyond basic models, the achievement of QET without distance constraints emerges as a pivotal frontier for future applications. This progress holds the potential for groundbreaking advancements in quantum memory utilization. Moreover, the teleported energy could serve as a power source and unlock a myriad of possibilities for future applications.
– Shishir Dahal
Ankuram Academy (2020)
BE, TU (2022)
