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Quantum Breakthrough: Computers Can Connect Over 1,200 Miles!

11/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of Chicago, led by Assistant Professor Tian Zhong, report a breakthrough enabling quantum computers to connect over distances exceeding 1,200 miles (2,000 km).
They increased quantum coherence times of erbium atoms from 0.1 milliseconds to over 10 milliseconds.
This could support connections up to 4,000 km.
They used molecular-beam epitaxy to create rare-earth-doped crystals and will test lab connections before long-distance work.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of Chicago, led by Assistant Professor Tian Zhong, report a breakthrough enabling quantum computers to connect over distances exceeding 1,200 miles (2,000 km).
They increased quantum coherence times of erbium atoms from 0.1 milliseconds to over 10 milliseconds.
This could support connections up to 4,000 km.
They used molecular-beam epitaxy to create rare-earth-doped crystals and will test lab connections before long-distance work.