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Quantum computer circuitry illustration. Conventional computers store information as 'bits', with each transistor holding either a 1 or a 0. Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which operate according to two principles of quantum physics. One of the principles, supposition, allows a qubit to store a 1 and a 0 at the same time. This means two qubits can hold four values at once. The second principle, entanglement, means that the state of one qubit can depend on the state of another. As you expand the number of qubits, the machine becomes exponentially more powerful.

Physics

Quantum theory at 100: Let’s celebrate its power and provocation

Quantum theory started with a bout of hay fever, and went on to transform our view of the universe – but its legacy isn't complete

Leader

Where exactly does the quantum world end and concrete reality begin?

Physics

Where exactly does the quantum world end and concrete reality begin?

Features

Could the ancient Greeks have invented quantum theory?

Physics

Could the ancient Greeks have invented quantum theory?

Features

What does quantum theory really tell us about the nature of reality?

Physics

What does quantum theory really tell us about the nature of reality?

Features

How a quantum innovation may quash the idea of the multiverse

Physics

How a quantum innovation may quash the idea of the multiverse

Features

Physics

Physicists in 2024 searched the quantum realm for the truth about time

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Physics

Quantum time crystals could be used to store energy

News

Physics

Indestructible quantum rifts can exist in two places at once

News

Physics

Quantum theory is challenging long-standing ideas about entropy

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Physics

Certain quantum systems may be able to defy entropy's effects forever

A mathematical proof shows that some quantum states can resist nature’s tendency to disorder – but only under very specific conditions

News

Space

We’ve just doubled the number of gravitational waves we can find

News

Physics

Our reality seems to be compatible with a quantum multiverse

News

Physics

Cause and effect may not actually be muddled in the quantum realm

News

Physics

Can we solve quantum theory’s biggest problem by redefining reality?

Features