Light and matter can remain at separate temperatures even while interacting with each other for long periods, according to new research that could help scale up an emerging quantum computing approach in which photons and atoms play a central role.

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Researchers discovered that photons and atoms can maintain separate temperatures for extended periods even while interacting, challenging assumptions about rapid thermal equilibrium. This finding could enable scaling of neutral-atom quantum computers by allowing light to connect multiple atomic arrays without destroying quantum information. The study used simulations showing prethermal states where atoms and photons stop efficiently exchanging energy, potentially lasting long enough to preserve quantum behavior needed for computation.

New insight into light-matter thermalization could advance neutral-atom quantum computing

Simulation findings and prethermal states