Rubidium is a chemical element with the symbol Rb and atomic number 37. It's a soft, silvery-white metallic element in the alkali metal group. Rubidium has several isotopes, and some of them, such as Rubidium-87, have unique properties that make them valuable in quantum research, including quantum computing.
Rubidium atoms are often used in the construction of neutral-atom quantum computers. The energy levels and hyperfine structure of Rubidium-87, in particular, make it suitable for trapping and manipulating as qubits. By using lasers and magnetic fields, Rubidium atoms can be cooled to near absolute zero and trapped in optical lattices, where they can be individually controlled and entangled.
The quantum properties of Rubidium, such as its energy levels and transition frequencies, are well understood and can be precisely controlled. This allows for the implementation of quantum gates and the creation of entangled states. Rubidium's properties also make it useful in other quantum technologies, such as atomic clocks and quantum sensors.
Rubidium-based quantum computing offers some advantages, including the potential for scalability and long coherence times. However, it also presents challenges, such as the need for precise control over the trapping and manipulation of individual atoms. Research and development in this area continue to explore ways to optimize the use of Rubidium in quantum computing.
Beyond quantum computing, Rubidium has applications in other areas of quantum technology and physics. For example, Rubidium-based atomic clocks are among the most accurate timekeeping devices known. Rubidium is also used in Bose-Einstein condensate experiments and other studies of ultracold atoms.
Rubidium is a key element in the field of neutral-atom quantum computing, offering a pathway to scalable and robust quantum information processing. Its unique properties and the ability to control them with high precision make it a valuable resource in both quantum computing and broader quantum research.
Learn more about how Rubidium can be used to build quantum computers here.
