Tantalum's New Role in Quantum Computing Systems
Scientists and engineers have been on the search for materials that support qubit coherence and a breakthrough has allowed for 15x greater coherence. The longer a qubit can maintain it's position is a positive move in the ability of the quantum computer to function.
Qubits lose energy and thus their ability to compute has been limited. At Princeton, a breakthrough has occured in which qubits can hold their coherence for up to 1 mil second, which is 15x longer than other such quantum computing systems. The secret is the use of durable tantalum in the computing process. Durable materials are needed in quantum computers and this is a great step forward.
What is tantalum?
Tantalum is a transition metal that is used in electronics and surgical and medical equipment. It is strong, durable and can be molded into shapes that are useful. Tantalum is resistant to cleaning and rough and caustic chemicals used when creating quantum applications.
This breakthrough will help develop more practical quantum computing applications. Qubits lose their energy and need a metal that has fewer defects, pits and cracks from repeated cleaning. The metal tantalum stands up well to rough environments and is a proven commodity in electronics already.
Hats off to Princeton for their innovation in materials science and quantum computing. Here's to a great and prosperous 2026 in the field!
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