Feature

Mix and Match Qubits

Hybrid strategy may yield long-awaited quantum computers

By Devin Powell

- More than 2 years ago

Anybody can find out how to crack the codes protecting your bank transfers and online credit card purchases. The step-by-step instructions for stripping away the secrecy were published years ago.

By blending superconducting and diamond components, researchers may create a quantum computer that beats out any relying on a single approach. circuit: Erik Lucero; diamond: Ryan McVay/getty images
DUAL SCHEME In this proposed quantum computer, nitrogen atoms (pink) within buckyballs serve as memory storage, and a superconductor does the processing (qubit in black).