Editorial Feature

How Will Quantum Technologies Revolutionize Data Storage?

Quantum computing is the next frontier in computing technology. Utilizing superposition and entanglement, quantum technologies achieve vastly improved processing power, and this breakthrough promises to revolutionize several state-of the-art industries.

A picture of a data storage facility

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Quantum computers use qubits rather than conventional binary bits. Just 100 qubits hold more states than all the current hard drives in use, and widespread utilization of quantum computers means that an exponential number of states can be held, potentially equivalent to more than all the atoms in the universe.1

However, whilst quantum computing can be beneficial for emerging innovative technologies such as AI and machine learning, there is a key bottleneck that hinders any further developments: limitations in data storage. In short, the amount of retrievable data can be no larger than the amount that can be retrieved from bits. To solve this problem, new quantum data storage solutions are needed.1

Furthermore, considering the vast and growing amount of data generated daily, the ability of current data storage technologies to store it is becoming increasingly limited. This article will briefly explore two of the breakthrough technologies making quantum data storage possible: quantum CDs and gold-plated superconductors.

Quantum Data Storage Advancements

Quantum data storage, as mentioned above, is an emerging technology that overcomes a critical bottleneck in current data storage and in quantum computers, significantly enhancing the data storage capabilities of future technologies.

Quantum CDs are a proposed solution to the data storage problem that have become the focus of research in the field. Current optical disks, whilst providing improved data storage over previous technologies, cannot meet the storage needs of breakthrough technologies such as quantum computers, AI, and machine learning.

Utilizing “wavelength multiplexing”, this proposed quantum data storage solution can store 1,000 times more information than standard optical compact disks. In short, quantum CDs are a ultra-high storage technology that can satisfy the needs of quantum computers.

These devices consist of numerous memory cells embedded in a solid material. The data cells are made of rare earth elements, with the solid material used in current research being MgO crystals. Defects in the MgO crystal lattice absorb photons emitted by the nearby rare earth memory cells.

The principle of wavelength multiplexing, which is central to the quantum CD concept, involves using a combination of light with slightly different wavelengths, allowing these devices to store more data in the same area. Densely packed rare earth elements that emit different wavelengths of light overcome the diffraction limit that normally constrains conventional optical CDs.2

Large datasets need storage solutions that can cope with the amount of data generated. Quantum CDs have the potential to drastically reduce the storage space necessary for reams of generated data.

Breakthrough Materials Are Enabling Quantum Storage

Developing advanced materials is crucial for the manufacture of robust quantum data storage solutions. One set of materials currently being researched for this innovative application is gold-plated superconductors.

Gold-plated superconductors are an emerging set of advanced materials that can benefit the field of quantum data storage by improving reliability. Superconductors retain better electrical resistance than current materials used in data storage, and topological superconductors have been explored for their ability to transmit quantum data.

New research has produced superconductors made of non-magnetic trigonal tellurium and a chiral material coated with a thin gold film. The “proximity effect” causes the gold film’s surface to become superconducting. Excited electrons can be potentially used as qubits in quantum computers. Quantum states at the superconductor’s interface between the gold film and chiral material contain well-defined polarization.

Chiral, non-magnetic properties in these proposed superconductors prevent decoherence, enhancing data stability - a major limitation in quantum data storage and computing. Research is ongoing into these advanced superconducting materials which could promise vastly improved data storage capabilities for quantum computers.3

Challenges and Future Prospects

Robust and reliable quantum data storage is still in its relative infancy as a technology. In order for it to reach its full commercial potential, some key technical challenges need to be addressed by researchers.

Technical hurdles for this technology include overcoming issues related to material stability, cost, and temperature generated by processor technology. Furthermore, robust systems that address error rates in quantum computing and storage need to be developed and implemented by researchers and companies.

The production of quantum CD technologies and gold-plated superconductors, two of the most promising solutions for this field, needs to be scaled up. Moreover, continued R&D efforts and collaboration between researchers, academia, companies, and other stakeholders are needed to make quantum storage accessible and cost-effective for mainstream applications.

In Summary

Quantum computing has been called the next frontier in computing by several experts and observers. However, for the field to reach its full potential for emerging and innovative industries such as AI and machine learning, reliable quantum data storage solutions will be needed.

Quantum CDs and gold-plated superconductors are two promising breakthrough technologies in this field, but a number of key technical hurdles need to be overcome by researchers before they can become accessible for mainstream applications. However, current research progress is highly promising and may usher in the next generation of data storage.

A Complete Guide to Quantum Technologies

Further Reading and More Information

[1] Coughlin, T (2021) Quantum Computing Memory and Storage [online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomcoughlin/2021/09/28/quantum-computing-memory-and-storage/ (Accessed on 17 November 2024)

[2] Chattaraj, S. et al. (2024) First-principles investigation of near-field energy transfer between localized quantum emitters in solids Phys. Rev. Research 6, 033170 [online] APS. Available at: https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.033170 (Accessed on 17 November 2024)

[3] Chen, C et al. (2024) Signatures of a spin-active interface and a locally enhanced Zeeman field in a superconductor-chiral material heterostructure Science Advances 10:34 [online] Science.org. Available at: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado4875 (Accessed on 17 November 2024)

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Reginald Davey

Written by

Reginald Davey

Reg Davey is a freelance copywriter and editor based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom. Writing for AZoNetwork represents the coming together of various interests and fields he has been interested and involved in over the years, including Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, and Environmental Science.

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