Quantum computer is generally considered a new generation of computer a major development direction, its computing power is mainly based on the manipulation of the micro-quantum state.Quantum computer in the physical realization of the trend towards integration and miniaturization, the core of a logic operation device is Relying on the quantum tunneling effect, that is, the electron goes through a thin insulating layer like a tunnel.
Research Project Leader, Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University and double-hired professor Liu Jing said that at present almost all the devices to achieve the quantum tunneling effect by a sandwich rigid body composition, the middle layer of insulating nanoscale thin layers on both sides of the conductive Medium electrode, and the material of the specific implementation, the middle layer is usually an insulating material, the two sides of the area is a metal conductor or a superconductor, these structures are solid devices, and the manufacturing precision is extremely high. The thickness of the middle layer is not easy to be adjusted flexibly. Deformation, segmentation, once prepared, generally only according to their specific structure to achieve the corresponding function, the application will be subject to certain restrictions.
Liquid metal has both the high conductive properties of metal and the flexibility and deformability of the fluid, making the surface easy to achieve perfect smoothness at the atomic level.A previous experiment published by the group in Applied Physics Letters in the United States found that liquid Metal will naturally form a liquid metal electrode - liquid film - liquid metal electrode sandwich structure, under the action of external factors can be flexibly deformed. Depending on the applied electric field, the liquid film gap up to a minimum scale Or even disappear completely, the resistance on both sides will respond to the change of the size and structure, so if the thickness of the liquid film between the two liquid metals is controlled within a certain range, the full liquid quantum tunneling effect is expected.
Based on this theoretical conception, a joint research group consisting of the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University and Yunnan University for the first time proposed the idea of an all-liquid quantum tunneling device that breaks through the traditional concept of rigid quantum devices, Methods, materials and technical solutions have been part of the invention patent.
Industry experts said that although a nanometer transistor with a size of about 1 nanometer can be manufactured at present, a large number of transistors with such a fine scale have great difficulties in realizing electrical interconnection. The proposal of a deformable liquid metal quantum material and device technology idea may help Push a new generation of quantum computing and intelligent system manufacturing and integration technology breakthrough.
Based on liquid metal devices, the research team also earlier proposed the basic concepts and technical solutions of liquid metal computer for the first time in the world. The basic structure and core devices of the corresponding invention patents have been accepted, which is a new international attempt in this field.