Reviewed by Lexie CornerDec 2 2024
According to a study published in APL Photonics, physicists at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have created a novel computing system that uses laser beams and common display technology. This represents a big step forward in the search for more powerful quantum computing solutions.
Image Credit: University of the Witwatersrand
The advancement, developed by researchers at the university’s Structured Light Lab, offers a simpler and more cost-effective approach to quantum computing by utilizing the unique properties of light. This development could help improve complex calculations in fields such as logistics, finance, and artificial intelligence.
Traditional computers work like switchboards, processing information as simple yes or no decisions. Our approach uses laser beams to process multiple possibilities simultaneously, dramatically increasing computing power.
Dr. Isaac Nape, Optica Emerging Leader Chair, University of the Witwatersrand
The research team, including MSc students Hadrian Bezuidenhout and Mwezi Koni, developed their system using basic components: simple lenses, digital displays similar to projector screens, and laser beams.
The key innovation was to relate the mathematical operations in a quantum computer to how light interacts with optical devices, such as digital displays and lenses. These operations, involving addition and multiplication of vectors and matrices, are performed at the speed of light.
Once this was achieved, the team demonstrated the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm, a test that determines whether a computer operation is random or predictable. A quantum computer can perform this test much faster than classical computing devices.
Our work paves the way for simulating even more complex quantum algorithms. This could unlock exciting new possibilities in areas like quantum optimization and quantum machine learning.
Mwezi Koni, Study Lead and Student, University of the Witwatersrand
Their approach can process significantly more data than conventional computers, which are limited to working with only ones and zeros.
Koni added, “We have shown that our system can work with 16 different levels of information instead of just the two used in classical computers. In theory, we could expand this to handle millions of levels, which would be a game-changer for processing complex information.”
This development is particularly significant for South Africa and other emerging economies due to its accessibility. The system uses widely available equipment, making it a practical option for research institutions that may not have access to more costly computing technologies.
Light is an ideal medium for this kind of computing. It moves incredibly fast and can process multiple calculations simultaneously. This makes it perfect for handling complex problems that would take traditional computers much longer to solve.
Hadrian Bezuidenhout, Student, University of the Witwatersrand
The research is part of the WitsQ Quantum Initiative and is funded by the South African Quantum Initiative (SAQuTI), which places South Africa at the forefront of advanced computing research. The team is currently striving to improve its system’s capabilities, which could lead to even more powerful computer systems in the future.
This development is a major step toward increasing the accessibility and usefulness of advanced computing, especially for areas where the cost of cutting-edge technology infrastructure may be a barrier.
Journal Reference:
Koni, M., et al. (2024) Emulating quantum computing with optical matrix multiplication. APL Photonics. doi.org/10.1063/5.0230335.