The Marvel Cinematic Universe isn't the only place where time crystals exist. In the technology cosmos, Google's Quantum Computing division has reportedly made massive leaps forward with their own version of a time crystal. This blog unravels Google's Time Crystal and its potential impacts on the world of Quantum Computing.
Championed by Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek, Time Crystals were first proposed in 2012. In contrast with traditional crystals that arrange themselves in repeating patterns in space, Time Crystals exhibit a phenomenon called "time-translation symmetry breaking", where they oscillate between states without using any energy. The fascinating aspect of these unparalleled structures is that they continually change without consuming any energy – a direct violation of the laws that govern conventional physics.
In the quantum realm, Google's research team claims to have created a time crystal using a chain of qubits – the foundational element of Quantum Computers. The Google quantum computer used a careful arrangement of operations to oscillate the qubits in such a way that they transitioned between two states, effectively showing a signature of the elusive time crystal.
The finding is immensely significant for Quantum Computing. In a conventional system, processing consumes considerable energy, creating limitations. Time crystals, with their perpetual motion feature, promise to perform calculations outside of typical thermodynamic laws, implying a vast improvement in computational power.
The full extent of potential applications for time crystals in Quantum Computing is limitless. In theory, they could lead to entirely new machine designs, capable of performing calculations that are impossible with our current technology. They could also pave the way for advancements in energy development, cryptography, and more.
Google’s creation of a time crystal might seem like science fiction. However, it is a testimony to the strides we're making in Quantum Computing. While the practical application of time crystals is still a work in progress, their potential to revolutionize computing is immense.
The discovery of the time crystal in a quantum computer is only the beginning of a new era in quantum physics and computing. Only time will tell what further advancements await in this fascinating field.
