UCLA researchers have developed a quantum-based nanowire that reduces electronic noise as the electrical current increases. By synchronising electrons with atomic vibrations, this breakthrough promises more stable quantum computers and ultralow-noise communication sensors
UCLA researchers have discovered a way to significantly dampen electronic “flicker noise” in materials, a breakthrough that could transform the development of quantum computers and advanced sensors. By using quasi-one-dimensional nanowires, the team demonstrated that noise levels actually drop as electrical current increases—the opposite of how conventional electronics behave.
The study, published in Nature Communications, focuses on a quantum phenomenon where electrons and phonons (atomic vibrations) move in a synchronised, collective state. This “expert surfer” mode allows electrons to travel smoothly through the material rather than being scattered by defects, which is the primary cause of signal interference.
Quantum “Surfers” and noise reduction
In standard metallic wires, electrons act like inexperienced surfers, frequently knocked off their path by phonon waves. This scattering creates the “fuzz” or noise that degrades communication signals. However, in the “strongly correlated materials” tested by the UCLA team, electrons clumping together in periodic patterns use phonon energy to move in concert.
Key findings from the experimental devices include:
- Tantalum-based nanowires:
- Noise dropped below measurable limits at temperatures around -100°F.
- Niobium-based nanowires:
- Demonstrated significant noise reduction at room temperature and above, making it highly practical for everyday electronics.
Enhancing quantum technologies
Electronic noise is one of the greatest hurdles in quantum computing, where even minor interference can destabilise delicate quantum states. By using these ultralow-noise nanowires, scientists may be able to create more stable connections for computer chips and sensors.
“Normally we think about phonons as the bad guys,” says lead author Alexander Balandin. “In this case, we found the phonons allowed electrons to jointly move along.” This collective motion allows for a much higher signal-to-noise ratio, which is essential for high-power computation and artificial intelligence.
A new direction for circuit architecture
The discovery challenges long-standing theoretical models in materials science. Because these materials remain in a quiet state at room temperature, they offer a viable alternative to components that require extreme cooling to function.
The research team plans to continue searching for even more efficient materials that can carry these “charge density waves.” As demand for AI-driven processing grows, these quantum-informed materials could lead to an entirely new architecture for the global transmission and processing of electrical signals.
