Back to the Future as Researchers Invent Real-life Flux Capacitor
May 30, 2018 | RMIT UniversityEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
In the popular movie franchise Back to the Future, an eccentric scientist creates a time machine that runs on a flux capacitor.
Now a group of actual physicists from Australia (RMIT University, University of Queensland) and Switzerland (ETH Zurich) have proposed a similar device that can break time-reversal symmetry.
While their flux capacitor doesn’t enable time travel, it’s a critical step in future technologies like the quantum computer and could lead to better electronics for mobile phones and wifi.
The research, published in Physical Review Letters, proposes a new generation of electronic circulators - devices that control the direction in which microwave signals move.
RMIT’s Professor Jared Cole said the device proposed in the research was built from a superconductor, in which electricity can flow without electrical resistance.
“We propose two different possible circuits, one of which resembles the iconic three-pointed-star design of the flux capacitor that we see in the Back to the Future films,” Cole, from the School of Science, said.
“In this circuit, quantum ‘tubes’ of magnetic flux can move around a central capacitor by a process known as quantum tunneling, where they overcome classically insurmountable obstacles.”
The combination of magnetic fields and electric charges leads to what the physicists call “broken time-reversal symmetry”.
An illustration of the researchers' proposed circuit, resembling the iconic flux capacitor as seen on screen.
This effect does not allow us to actually travel back in time, Professor Tom Stace, from the University of Queensland, said.
“Instead, it means that signals circulate around the circuit in only one direction, much like cars on a roundabout,” he said.
Such a device can be used to isolate parts of an experimental apparatus from one other, which is critical when the individual parts are extremely sensitive quantum systems.
Lead author Dr Clemens Mueller, ETH Zurich, said the device was a crucial component for next generation technologies, including the long sought-after quantum computer.
“Our research makes an important step towards scaling up this technology, where researchers need to precisely direct control and measurement signals around a quantum computer.”
In the nearer term, the research could find applications in the development of better electronics for mobile phone and wifi antennas, and improving radar.
The research is part of a collaboration between two Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence: the ARC Centre for Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS).
Story: Gosia Kaszubska
Suggested Items
Kimball Electronics Announces Annual Meeting of Share Owners
09/27/2024 | BUSINESS WIREKimball Electronics, Inc. announced the Company will hold its Annual Meeting of Share Owners on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (EST).
American Standard Circuits to Exhibit at SMTA International Conference and Expo
09/26/2024 | American Standard CircuitsAmerican Standard Sunstone Circuits will be exhibiting at SMTA International 2024, Oct. 22-24, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Altus Group Introduces Innovative BGA Reballing Solution to Meet Growing Sustainability Demands
09/25/2024 | Altus GroupAltus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has introduced an advanced BGA re-balling solution to address the electronics industry's growing focus on sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Excellon Automation to Exhibit at AEMS 2024
09/25/2024 | Excellon AutomationExcellon Automation will be displaying at the Anaheim Electronics and Manufacturing Show on October 2nd and 3rd at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
ROCKA Solutions to Make Its First SMTA International Debut with Innovative Exhibit Style
09/24/2024 | ROCKA SolutionsROCKA Solutions is excited to announce its first-time participating in SMTA International 2024, taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Visit ROCKA Solutions at Booth 2947, where they will introduce a fresh exhibit style to the USA tradeshows.