For quantum computer, add a dash of disorder

Flawed crystals could help couple light to matter

Embracing chaos just might help physicists build a quantum brain. A new study shows that disorder can enhance the coupling between light and matter in quantum systems, a find that could eventually lead to fast, easy-to-build quantum computers.

FROM DISORDER, ARRANGEMENT Light bouncing around a disordered crystal spontaneously arranged itself in bright spots, represented by the tall spikes in this figure.