Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers have observed and controlled a temporary stable phase in a quantum system, offering a possible way to preserve quantum information. The team used the 78-qubit “Chuang-tzu 2.0” superconducting processor to tune how fast quantum systems fall into chaos.
Scientists from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have directly observed a little-understood stage called prethermalisation in a quantum system. They published their findings in Nature on January 28.
The research team, led by Fan Heng, a professor at the Institute of Physics, used the 78-qubit “Chuang-tzu 2.0” superconducting quantum processor. This chip acts like a wind tunnel for quantum physics, letting researchers watch complex behaviors that even supercomputers cannot simulate.
Quantum systems naturally lose information over time. When disturbed, energy and information spread out until they become evenly distributed, like a swinging pendulum that eventually stops. This process, called thermalisation, is a major challenge for quantum computing because calculations get erased.
READ ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/uss-gerald-r-ford-near-iran-strategy/
But the team found a brief plateau before the system falls into complete chaos. During this prethermalisation stage, the quantum system stays relatively stable and holds onto its information. Think of ice melting into water — the temperature stays at 0 degrees Celsius for a while before rising again.
The researchers could control how long this stable period lasted. By adjusting a control sequence, they could lengthen or shorten the plateau like tuning a heating rhythm. “On Chuang-tzu 2.0, we clearly saw that chaos is held in check during the plateau,” Fan said. “But as soon as that period ends, complexity explodes and information floods the entire system.”
This controllable window gives scientists a chance to use quantum information before it disappears. The plateau offers time to perform calculations or preserve data, directly affecting how practical quantum computers can become.
WATCH THIS: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/swiss-robot-brain-autonomy/
However, the stable period eventually ends. Once the plateau finishes, chaos takes over completely. The research shows that while prethermalisation slows things down, it does not stop the final collapse into disorder.
Understanding these laws helps design better quantum operations and error-correction schemes. Fan said the work validates quantum simulators’ unique advantage in solving complex problems that classical computers cannot handle. His team will continue developing larger-scale, higher-performance quantum chips.
Beyond computing, this research could speed up drug discovery and materials science. Quantum computers can simulate molecules naturally, helping chemists run virtual experiments instead of physical trials. The technology also promises unhackable communication through quantum key distribution, where any tampering leaves visible signs.
