Key Takeaways
- Quantum batteries could increase qubit count fourfold in quantum computers
- Internal power systems reduce heat and wiring requirements
- Quantum batteries recharge using light from the computer”s own components
- This breakthrough addresses to biggest barriers to scaling quantum computers
Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking approach to powering quantum computers using quantum batteries—a breakthrough that could make future computers faster, more reliable, and more energy efficient. This innovation addresses one of the most significant challenges preventing quantum computers from reaching their full potential.
The Energy Problem
Quantum computers rely on the rules of quantum physics to solve problems that could transform computing, medicine, energy, finance, communications, and many other fields. But sustaining their delicate quantum states typically requires room-sized, energy-intensive cryogenic cooling systems, as well as a system of room-temperature electronics.
These infrastructure and energy requirements remain the biggest barriers to scaling up quantum computers, limiting their size and processing power, restricting their applications, and slowing their path to market.
How Quantum Batteries Work
In a new study published in Physical Review X, a team of researchers at Australia”s national science agency CSIRO, University of Queensland, and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) has theoretically shown how tiny quantum batteries could power a quantum computer—increasing its number of quantum bits (qubits) fourfold.
“Quantum batteries could be a game-changer,” said Professor Bill Munro, co-author of the study and head of the Quantum Engineering and Design Unit at OIST. “They let the computer power itself from the inside, cutting heat, cutting wires, and letting us fit more qubits into the same space—it”s like giving quantum computers their own internal engine.”
Internal Energy Recycling
Dr. James Quach, co-author of the study and CSIRO”s quantum batteries research lead, explained that the computers use significantly less energy because internal quantum batteries can recycle the energy in the system.
“Quantum batteries are small and mighty,” said Dr. Quach. “Our findings bring us one step closer to solving the energy, cooling, and infrastructure challenges restricting quantum computers. It”s like giving the computer its own internal fuel tank. Instead of constantly refilling it from the electricity grid, the battery recharges while the computer operates.”
Light-Based Charging
Quantum batteries are devices that store energy using light, allowing them to recharge simply by being exposed to it. When integrated into a quantum computer, they can be continually recharged by the machine”s own components through a phenomenon known as entanglement, creating a shared quantum connection.
“We”ve calculated that quantum-battery-operated systems will generate significantly less heat, require fewer wiring components, and fit more qubits into the same physical space—all important steps toward building practical, scalable quantum computers,” explained Dr. Quach.
Quantum Superextensivity
Modeling also suggests that the architecture could improve computational speed through what”s called quantum superextensivity—a phenomenon where the more qubits there are, the faster they are. This could lead to exponential performance gains as quantum computers scale up.
Next Steps
The paper reports the theoretical modeling of how quantum batteries could power existing quantum computers. The team”s next step is to develop a real-world demonstration of this approach. While quantum batteries remain an emerging technology and further development is required, this approach creates exciting possibilities for the future of quantum computing.
Why This Matters
Quantum computing promises to revolutionize fields from drug discovery to cryptography, but current energy requirements severely limit practical deployment. Quantum batteries address this fundamental bottleneck, potentially enabling:
- Scalability: Fourfold increase in qubit count without proportional energy costs
- Efficiency: Reduced heat generation and cooling requirements
- Compaction: More qubits in less physical space
- Cost: Lower operational and infrastructure expenses
The Road Ahead
This research forms a key step in the exploration of quantum energy—an emerging field that could fundamentally reshape the way we create efficient, sustainable energy systems. As quantum batteries move from theoretical modeling to real-world demonstrations, we may be witnessing a breakthrough that finally unlocks quantum computing”s full potential.