Why in the News?

In December 2024, Microsoft introduced its quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, designed to solve industrial-scale problems by utilizing the properties of Majorana particles for practical quantum computing.

About Majorana 1 Chip and the Science Behind

• Microsoft introduced its Majorana 1 quantum computing chip, designed to solve large-scale problems using quantum computing.
• This chip is named after Majorana particles, which have unique properties in particle physics.
• Majorana particles are special because they are their own anti-particles.
• This means that when two Majorana particles meet, they destroy each other and release energy.
• This property is different from most particles, like electrons, which have separate anti-particles (for example, the electron’s anti-particle is the positron).
• Why Majorana Particles Matter for Quantum Computing?
  • This unique property could make Majorana particles useful in quantum computing.
  • They could help make quantum bits (qubits) more stable, which is important for improving quantum computers.
  • Using Majorana particles may also help in topological quantum computing, which makes qubits less affected by external disturbances, making them more reliable.

Beta Decay and Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0vßß):

• Beta decay happens when an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy. In this process, a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton, and an electron and anti-neutrino are emitted. There are two types of beta decay:

1. Beta-minus decay: A neutron becomes a proton, releasing an electron and an anti-neutrino.
2. Beta-plus decay: A proton turns into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino.

• What is Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0vßß)? Neutrinoless double beta decay is a rare event where two electrons are emitted instead of the usual electron and anti-neutrino. This suggests that neutrinos and anti-neutrinos might be the same particle, known as Majorana particles.
  • If scientists observe this type of decay, it will prove that neutrinos are Majorana particles and help measure their mass.
  • This discovery would improve our understanding of particle physics.

Scientific Significance:

• The search for 0vßß and studying Majorana particles could help answer important questions about the mass of neutrinos and improve our understanding of particle physics.
• Learning more about neutrinos is key to both advancing quantum computing and understanding particle physics.

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