Future quantum computing could exploit old technology

Modified silicon transistors perform basic logic tasks

electrons

QUANTUM ELECTRONICS  A new quantum logic gate in silicon manipulates the spins (arrows) of a pair of electrons (red and blue), as shown in this illustration.

Tony Melov/UNSW

Silicon transistors have been converted into the basic components of a quantum computer.

Using modified versions of transistors used in smartphones, tablets and desktop computers, Australian engineers have built the first quantum logic gate in silicon for performing quantum computations.