Quantum Computer Cooling

Source: yahoo.com

Cooling is essential for quantum computers and not just cooling used by conventional computers. The temperature required by quantum computer is in the range of millikelvin, this is a tenth of a degree above absolute zero.

The reason for the frigid temperatures lies in how qubits work. Qubits are the equivalent of bits in conventional computers. Qubits work similar having a value of one or zero but they go a step further in that until it is verified, the value may be one or zero. This was defined by Einstein as 'spooky'. Qubit are susceptible to outside forces like other molecules and electrons collisions. The coherence time of a qubit is in the order of 90 milliseconds. This coherence time is reduced by collisions. To reduce the collisions, the temperature is reduced which slows the movement of the outside forces.

In addition to lowering the temperature, the core of the computer requires shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference from the affecting the processor.