Quantum computers, with their potential to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers, are a promising advancement in technology. However, current quantum computers face challenges such as maintaining stability and transporting quantum information. To address these issues, researchers are exploring the use of phonons, quantized vibrations in periodic lattices, to enhance qubit interactions and provide more reliable information conversion. Phonons also facilitate better communication within quantum computers, enabling the interconnection of them in a network.
Nanophononic materials, artificial nanostructures with specific phononic properties, are essential for next-generation quantum networking and communication devices. However, designing phononic crystals with desired vibration characteristics at the nano- and micro-scales has been challenging.
Recently, researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo have developed a genetic algorithm for the automatic inverse design of phononic crystal nanostructures. This algorithm allows the control of acoustic waves in the material, offering the possibility to search for irregular structures with unique properties. The team was able to design and fabricate devices using this method, which were tested with light scattering experiments to establish the effectiveness of this approach.
The researchers were able to create a two-dimensional phononic “metacrystal” with a periodic arrangement of smaller designed units. This device allowed vibrations along one axis but not along a perpendicular direction, making it suitable for acoustic focusing or waveguides. The team believes that this approach will be applied to surface acoustic wave devices used in quantum computers, smartphones, and other devices.
The study was published in the journal ACS Nano, and the team hopes that this method will lead to the development of more efficient and reliable quantum devices in the future.
More information about the study can be found in the article titled “Tailoring Phonon Dispersion of Genetically Designed Nanophononic Metasurface,” published in ACS Nano (2024). The research was provided by the University of Tokyo.
