China’s Quantum Leap: ‘Supersolid’ Material Discovery Reduces Helium Dependency in Tech Race
In a significant stride towards technological independence, Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in quantum cooling technology, potentially reducing the nation’s reliance on helium imports amidst the intensifying tech war with the US. The team, affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, has identified a “supersolid” material that exhibits both solid and fluidic properties, presenting an innovative alternative for quantum computing cooling systems.
The development comes at a crucial time for China, which heavily depends on helium, a scarce resource, for high-tech applications, including quantum computing. Helium-3, a variant used in extreme conditions, is particularly in demand and challenging to source. With most of China’s helium imports coming from the US and Russia, the escalating US-China tech rivalry has heightened the need for self-reliance in critical technological components.
Dilution refrigerators, essential for creating ultra-cold environments required in quantum computing, are difficult to acquire due to geopolitical tensions. The new cobalt-based quantum magnetic material, termed “supersolid,” offers a glimmer of hope, showcasing the ability to cool to temperatures below one Kelvin. This temperature range is crucial for technologies like quantum computing to function optimally.
Professor Sun Peijie from the Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics highlighted the innovation of using solid-state materials to achieve ultra-cold temperatures, a breakthrough that could significantly reduce China’s dependency on imported helium. Despite China’s substantial helium imports, accounting for 94% of its consumption in 2022, the discovery of the “supersolid” material provides a theoretical pathway to extremely low temperatures without the need for helium.
The development of quantum technologies, including quantum communications and computing, is pivotal for China’s technological advancement. The reliance on dilution refrigerators, which are challenging to procure from overseas, has been a major hurdle in the nation’s quantum technology endeavors. While substantial investments and national support have been directed towards this sector, acquiring the necessary technology remains a complex challenge.
While the research team has made promising progress in experimenting with the newfound material, limitations exist. Professor Sun pointed out that the material requires an environment already at around four Kelvin to function effectively, and engineering challenges must be addressed before it can be widely applied.
The study not only offers a potential solution to China’s helium dependency but also opens new avenues for research in fundamental physics. The confirmation of supersolids’ existence may inspire scientists to explore other materials, potentially advancing the field of physics.
As China continues to push the boundaries of quantum technology, the discovery of the “supersolid” material stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to overcoming technological dependencies and advancing its position in the global tech race.