Quantum computing has emerged as a cutting-edge field with the potential to revolutionise various aspects of technology, from cryptography and optimisation to drug discovery and artificial intelligence. One critical factor that plays a pivotal role in the performance of quantum computers is the conditions in which their qubit processors are required to operate.

They include extremely low temperatures and the use of vacuums, or both, which make integration on board modern devices difficult or impossible. But some of these limitations could soon be removed thanks to Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) which has confirmed it can preserve quantum functionality at room temperature in air with its qubit material, opening up a world of possibilities and accelerating the advancement of quantum computing.

In quantum computing, the environment conditions are crucial for preserving the fragile quantum states that underpin quantum computations. Maintaining a stable and controlled environment allows qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information, to perform complex calculations without being destroyed. The slightest temperatures, or the tiniest amount of oxygen in the air can cause it all to break down.

Carefully controlling the qubit material environment helps to minimises decoherence, a phenomenon that occurs when qubits lose their quantum state due to unwanted interactions with their surroundings. Earlier in the month, Archer confirmed that its qubit materials’ quantum coherence times exceeded 230 nanoseconds at room temperature, which was accomplished under vacuum conditions. Now, the Archer team have validated that their unique qubit material can preserve quantum functionality even at room temperature in air.

The development is another milestone for the 12CQ chip development, enabling greater practicality and making quantum computing potentially a reality for broader widespread adoption.

Dr Mohammad Choucair, CEO of Archer, said, “This is a major achievement for Archer’s qubit development. It shows the strength of Archer’s strategy to be an enabler for the sector, with our innovations making qubit materials potentially more accessible and more easily embedded in modern day semiconductor fabrication processes for quantum logic device manufacture”.

Traditional quantum computers require custom-built qubit processors that are not exactly compatible with the manufacturing processes to make our current laptops and phones.

The validation that Archer’s qubit material can be modified with foundry-compatible processes has the potential for technology translation to industrially scale Archer’s 12CQ qubit chip architecture. Furthermore, The preservation of quantum coherence in Archer’s qubit material at room temperature in air demonstrates a significant advantage over qubit proposals that are difficult to integrate onboard modern day devices.

“It is remarkable that Archer’s carbon qubit material is so readily produced yet remains robust post-processing to generate the fragile quantum states for the long enough periods of time needed for quantum logic operations in the qubit devices we are developing,” added Dr Choucair.

“Archer continues to move closer to making quantum processing devices in a much more easily-produced reality in everyday electronics with this latest milestone.”

This understated breakthrough by the company could unlock the potential for scalability and accessibility in quantum technologies very early in development. The simplicity and familiarity that Archer’s qubit material offers provides a potential pathway for a future where quantum computing technology becomes an integral part of our everyday lives, transforming industries and driving innovation to unprecedented heights.