An Ultrasensitive Microwave Detector Developed, Empowering A Technology for Potential Quantum Computers

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A research team jointly constituted by the POSTECH of South Korea, Raytheon BBN Technologies, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the U.S., Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology in Spain, and the National Institute for Material Science in Japan have all come together to develop one of the most advanced technologies to exist till date – an ultrasensitive microwave detector that would have the capacity to empower an entire generation of quantum computers.

These sensors are said to be ultrasensitive and a technology that can detect the microwaves, theoretically in their highest possible sensitivity.

The microwave is one of the most useful and widely used waves and they power an entire range of technologies, may it be mobile communications, astronomy or even radar. In the present day, research was underway for the microwaves at the highest possible sensitivity to power the entire next generation of quantum computing and communications.

The wait is now finally over and these quantum technologies if developed by the help of these ultrasensitive microwaves will have the capability to bring about a transformation in the way work is done in the industries.

Bolometer is a device that is used to measure the microwave power correctly and it is divided into three main parts- electromagnetic absorption, a part that converts the heat into electrical resistance and a part that transforms the electromagnetic waves into heat. The electromagnetic waves that are absorbed are calculated with the help of a bolometer. However, a persistent disadvantage of this bolometer is that at room temperature it can operate at only 1 nanowatt, that is, one billionth of a watt by the average of one second.

The joint research team of this experiment achieved a breakthrough with this limit by innovating and working on the structure and materials used in this device.

Another shocking aspect of this research is the fact that there is an unexpected interest from varying fields even those who researches are centred around the origin of the universe. What this essentially proves is that a research conduct6ed on the most basic of science can be applied and useful to varying fields.