Quantum entanglement, a fundamental phenomenon in quantum physics, occurs when two or more quantum systems become interconnected in a way that cannot be described independently.
This interconnectedness leads to strong correlations between the systems, a property that is crucial for the development of quantum computers. The degree of entanglement directly influences the efficiency and performance of these quantum machines.
Researchers from the Department of Physics at São Paulo State University's Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences (IGCE-UNESP) in Rio Claro, Brazil,
The findings of this research have potential applications in optimizing the construction of quantum computers.
Breaking Down the Hellmann-Feynman Theorem
The study focused on the Hellmann-Feynman theorem, a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that describes the relationship between a system's energy and a control parameter. The researchers discovered that this theorem breaks down under specific conditions.
"We've proposed a quantum analog of the Grüneisen parameter, a concept widely used in thermodynamics," explained Valdeci Mariano de Souza, the study's lead author and a professor at IGCE-UNESP.
"This quantum Grüneisen parameter quantifies entanglement, or von Neumann entropy, in relation to a control parameter, such as a magnetic field or pressure. Our research shows that entanglement is maximized near quantum critical points, where the Hellmann-Feynman theorem fails."
Implications for Quantum Computing
The results of this study contribute to our fundamental understanding of quantum physics and could have significant implications for the development of quantum computers. As the power of classical computers reaches its limits, quantum computing offers the potential for groundbreaking advancements.
"In conventional computing, information is processed using binary language (zeros and ones)," Souza noted. "Quantum mechanics, however, allows for the superposition of states, dramatically increasing processing capacity. This is why there's growing interest in research on quantum entanglement."
By understanding the conditions that maximize entanglement, researchers can work towards creating more efficient and powerful quantum computers, opening up new possibilities in fields such as materials science, drug discovery, and cryptography
Sources:
Published 6 October 2023, Physical Review B; “Grüneisen parameter as an entanglement compass and the breakdown of the Hellmann-Feynman theorem”
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.108.L140403
Research leading to production of the article was supported by FAPESP via projects 11/22050-4 and 18/09413-0.
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