The Large Hadron Collider has revealed a new property in top quarks called “magic.” This discovery was made by twin brothers, Professor Martin White from the University of Adelaide and Professor Chris White from Queen Mary University of London. Their study, published in Physical Review D, found that when the LHC produces top quarks, it regularly creates this magic property. Magic describes the complexity of quantum systems in terms of their computational difficulty for classical computers.
“Studying the magic properties of quantum systems provides significant insights into the development and potential uses of quantum computers,” explained Professor Martin White. The higher the magic observed in these systems, the more quantum computers are required to efficiently describe their behavior. The LHC uses a 27-kilometer ring of superconducting magnets and accelerating structures to propel particle beams at nearly the speed of light.
These beams collide to produce various particles, including top quarks.
Magic property found in top quarks
The ATLAS and CMS detectors measure the direction and speed of these quarks, observing the amount of magic they exhibit.
“The ATLAS experiment has already observed evidence of quantum entanglement,” said Professor White. “We have shown that the LHC can also observe more complex patterns of quantum behavior at the highest energies yet attempted for these kinds of experiments.”
Harnessing the power of quantum computers requires robust and controllable quantum states, with magic being a key component of this control. “Our research paves the way for a deeper understanding of the connection between quantum information theory and high-energy physics,” added Professor White.
“This discovery is not just about the heaviest particles in the universe; it’s about unlocking the potential of a revolutionary new computing paradigm.”
The study, titled “Magic states of top quarks,” was published on December 18, 2024, in Physical Review D, detailing the significant advancements and future implications of this research. The discovery of magic in top quarks at the LHC marks a significant step forward in the field of quantum computing. By understanding and harnessing this property, researchers can potentially revolutionize numerous technological fields.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
