Tissot

The two Konstanz physicists Benedikt Tissot and Guido Burkard have now developed a theoretical model of how the information exchange between qubits could succeed by using photons as a "means of transport" for quantum information.

Benedikt Tissot compares the basic procedure with the Internet: "In a classic computer, we have our bits, which are encoded on a chip in the form of electrons. If we want to send information over long distances, the information content of the bits is converted into a light signal that is transmitted through optical fibers."

The principle of information exchange between qubits in a quantum computer is very similar: "Here, too, we have to convert the information into states that can be easily transmitted -- and photons are ideal for this," explains Tissot.

"We need to consider several aspects," says Tissot: "We want to control the direction in which the information flows -- as well as when, how quickly and where it flows to. That's why we need a system that allows for a high level of control."

"We have 'more buttons' here that we can operate to control the photon," Tissot illustrates.