Majorana zero modes advance fault-tolerant quantum computing
A research team from the University of Oxford, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, and Quantum Machines has significantly enhanced the stability of Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in engineered quantum systems, marking a major step towards fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Majorana zero modes (MZMs) are exotic quasiparticles that are theoretically immune to environmental disturbances, which can cause decoherence in conventional qubits. This inherent stability makes them promising candidates for developing robust quantum computers. However, achieving stable MZMs has been a persistent challenge due to imperfections in traditional materials.
The research team tackled this challenge by constructing a three-site Kitaev chain as a stepping stone toward topological superconductors. They utilised quantum dots connected by superconducting segments in hybrid semiconductor-superconductor nanowires, allowing for precise control of quantum states. This three-site design creates a “sweet spot” where the Majorana zero modes (MZMs) are more spatially separated, which reduces their interactions and enhances their stability, a significant advance towards robust quantum computers.
Dr Greg Mazur from the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford, the lead author of the study and formerly a quantum engineer at QuTech during the research period, stated: “Our findings are a key advancement, proving that scaling Kitaev chains not only preserves but enhances Majorana stability. I look forward to advancing this approach with my newly established research group at Oxford, aiming towards even more scalable quantum-dot platforms. The focus of my work at the Department of Materials will be to create artificial quantum matter through advanced nanodevices.”
The team anticipates that extending the chains will exponentially enhance stability as the MZMs at the ends become increasingly isolated from environmental noise. This strongly motivates future exploration of larger quantum-dot arrays, which are crucial for practical quantum computing. This approach opens the door to creating entirely new materials with tailored quantum properties through precise device engineering.
The study Enhanced Majorana stability in a three-site Kitaev chain has been published in Nature Nanotechnology: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-025-01894-4.
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