A breakthrough discovery by twin physicists Professors Chris and Martin White has revealed an unexpected connection between the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and quantum computing through a property called “magic” in top quarks. Published in Physical Review D, their research demonstrates that the LHC routinely produces this quantum computing essential characteristic during particle collisions.
Magic, in quantum systems, serves as a metric for computational complexity – specifically measuring how challenging it is to simulate quantum behaviors using classical computers. The higher the magic present in a system, the more necessary quantum computers become for accurately modeling its behavior. This property is fundamental to advancing quantum computing technology, though its generation and enhancement have remained elusive until now.
The research centered on top quarks, the heaviest known fundamental particles, produced during high-energy collisions at the LHC. The White brothers discovered that these particles consistently exhibit magical properties, with the degree of magic varying based on the particles’ velocity and directional movement. These variations can be precisely measured using the LHC’s ATLAS and CMS detectors, which monitor the outcomes of proton collisions.
This finding builds upon previous observations of quantum entanglement in the ATLAS experiment, demonstrating that the LHC can observe increasingly complex quantum behaviors at unprecedented energy levels. The research establishes the LHC as a unique platform for exploring quantum phenomena, creating a bridge between high-energy physics and quantum information theory.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond theoretical physics. Quantum computers hold immense potential for revolutionizing fields such as drug discovery and materials science, but their development requires stable and controllable quantum states. The identification of magic in top quarks provides valuable insights into achieving this control and potentially enhancing magical properties in other quantum systems.
Professor Chris White emphasizes that while quantum research has traditionally focused on entanglement – where particles become linked – their work explores how well-suited particles are for constructing powerful quantum computers. His brother, Professor Martin White, notes that this research demonstrates the LHC’s capability to observe sophisticated patterns of quantum behavior at the highest energies ever attempted for such experiments.
The LHC’s role in this discovery is particularly significant. As the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, it features a 27-kilometer ring of superconducting magnets where particle beams travel at near-light speeds before collision. This unique facility has proven instrumental in advancing our understanding of both particle physics and quantum mechanics.
The research establishes a new paradigm for studying quantum computing properties within high-energy physics experiments. By identifying and measuring magic in top quark production, the White brothers have created a novel approach to understanding quantum information theory through particle physics. This connection opens new avenues for exploring quantum phenomena and developing more powerful quantum computing systems.
Their work represents a significant step forward in bridging the gap between quantum theory and particle physics, suggesting that the heaviest known particles might hold the key to advancing quantum computing technology. As quantum computers continue to evolve, this understanding of magic in top quarks could prove crucial in overcoming current limitations and achieving practical quantum computation.
The discovery not only advances our theoretical understanding but also provides practical insights into quantum computing development, potentially accelerating progress in this revolutionary field. As research continues, the LHC’s role in quantum computing research may expand, offering new opportunities for exploring and harnessing quantum phenomena at the highest energy levels currently achievable.
Reference: “Magic states of top quarks” by Chris D. White and Martin J. White, 18 December 2024, Physical Review D. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.110.116016
