Physicists have unveiled a surprising connection between the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and quantum computing, particularly through the behavior of top quarks, the heaviest known fundamental particles. Researchers, including Professors Chris and Martin White, discovered that these top quarks exhibit a property called "magic," crucial for the operation of quantum computers. This "magic" property determines how challenging it is to simulate quantum systems using classical computers; a higher level of magic indicates a greater need for quantum computational methods.
The findings, published in Physical Review D, suggest that the LHC frequently produces these "magic top quarks." The researchers noted that the amount of magic in these quarks varies based on their speed and direction, measurable via the LHC’s ATLAS and CMS detectors. This discovery expands the understanding of quantum technology, previously focused on entanglement, by showcasing the significance of magic in developing powerful quantum computers. The implications are vast, potentially advancing drug discovery and materials science while highlighting the LHC as a critical platform for exploring the intersection of quantum mechanics and high-energy physics. This work paves the way for enhanced understanding and utilization of quantum computing.
