Interconnected quantum particles symbolizing quantum coherence.

Quantum Coherence: The Unseen Force Shaping Tomorrow's Tech?

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Reese Marlowe in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Delving into quantum coherence, its role in quantum technology, and how it surpasses quantum discord and entanglement."


In the cryptic realm of quantum physics, 'coherence' stands out. Not as a mere concept, but as a potential powerhouse driving the next wave of technological innovation. Quantum coherence, in layman's terms, is the phenomenon where quantum particles maintain a definite phase relationship. It's this delicate dance that enables quantum computers to perform calculations far beyond the capabilities of today's most powerful supercomputers. But its impacts goes far beyond computing.

The implications of quantum coherence extends into quantum communication, promising secure and ultra-fast data transmission. It's a key ingredient in advanced sensing technologies and could revolutionize medical imaging and materials science. Yet, understanding and harnessing quantum coherence is no easy feat. It requires delving into the bizarre rules that govern the quantum world, where particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously and influence each other instantaneously, regardless of distance.

While quantum entanglement and quantum discord have long been discussed, quantum coherence appears to offer benefits in terms of robustness and long-range interactions. As scientists explore these differences, quantum coherence is poised to redefine what's possible.

Unlocking the Potential of Quantum Coherence

Interconnected quantum particles symbolizing quantum coherence.

A recent study published in Physica A sheds light on the long-range properties of quantum coherence in Heisenberg XX chains. This research compares quantum coherence with other forms of quantum correlations, such as entanglement and quantum discord, revealing its unique advantages. The researchers, Zakaria Mzaouali and Morad El Baz, explore quantum coherence's robustness against temperature changes and its ability to maintain quantum correlations over long distances.

The study uses theoretical calculations and numerical simulations to analyze the behavior of quantum coherence in a one-dimensional spin chain. This model allows them to examine how quantum coherence is affected by external magnetic fields and temperature variations. The findings suggest that quantum coherence is not only a fundamental feature of quantum mechanics but also a practical resource for quantum information processing.

  • Quantum coherence is more robust to temperature changes compared to entanglement.
  • Quantum coherence can maintain correlations over longer distances.
  • Quantum coherence is useful in quantum information processing.
  • Quantum coherence is associated with quantum superposition.
One of the most striking results is quantum coherence's ability to outperform entanglement and quantum discord in certain conditions. Entanglement, while crucial in quantum computing, is fragile and easily disrupted by environmental noise. Quantum discord captures a broader range of quantum correlations but is not as resilient as quantum coherence. The researchers found that quantum coherence persists even when entanglement diminishes, making it a more reliable resource for quantum technologies. This robustness is particularly valuable for applications in quantum sensing and communication, where maintaining coherence is essential for accurate and secure information transfer.

The Quantum Horizon

As quantum technology continues to evolve, quantum coherence will likely play an increasingly central role. Its unique properties make it an ideal candidate for various applications, from secure quantum communication networks to ultra-sensitive quantum sensors. While challenges remain in controlling and preserving coherence in complex systems, ongoing research efforts promise to unlock even more of its potential.

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What is quantum coherence, and why is it important for future technologies?

Quantum coherence is a quantum phenomenon where quantum particles maintain a definite phase relationship. This precise relationship allows quantum computers to perform complex calculations beyond the capabilities of regular supercomputers. Its significance goes beyond computing, influencing quantum communication, advanced sensing, medical imaging, and materials science. It involves the bizarre rules of the quantum world, such as quantum superposition.

2

How does quantum coherence compare to quantum entanglement and quantum discord, and what advantages does it offer?

Quantum coherence offers benefits in robustness and long-range interactions, especially when compared to quantum entanglement and quantum discord. Quantum entanglement is fragile and easily disrupted by environmental noise, while quantum discord is not as resilient as quantum coherence. Quantum coherence is still present, even when quantum entanglement is diminished. This makes quantum coherence a more reliable resource for quantum technologies.

3

What recent research sheds light on the properties of quantum coherence, and what were its key findings?

A study published in *Physica A* has explored quantum coherence's long-range properties in Heisenberg XX chains, comparing it with quantum entanglement and quantum discord. The study, conducted by Zakaria Mzaouali and Morad El Baz, highlights quantum coherence's robustness against temperature changes and its ability to maintain quantum correlations over long distances, using theoretical calculations and numerical simulations on a one-dimensional spin chain.

4

Why is the robustness of quantum coherence so crucial for quantum technologies?

Quantum coherence stands out due to its robustness in maintaining quantum correlations, even when faced with environmental disturbances like temperature changes. Unlike quantum entanglement, which is fragile, quantum coherence can persist over longer distances. Quantum coherence's resilience makes it particularly valuable for applications requiring accuracy and security, such as quantum sensing and quantum communication. This characteristic enhances the reliability and stability of quantum technologies.

5

How might quantum coherence shape the future of quantum technology, and what challenges remain?

Quantum coherence will likely become increasingly important as quantum technology evolves. Quantum coherence's properties make it a strong candidate for secure quantum communication networks and sensitive quantum sensors. Ongoing research aims to control and preserve quantum coherence in complex systems, which should unlock more of its potential. While challenges remain, the unique advantages of quantum coherence position it as a cornerstone of future quantum innovations.

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