TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A research team from National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) announced Wednesday (Oct. 16) they developed the world’s smallest optical quantum computer using just a single photon.

Department of Physics Professor Chuu Chih-sung (褚志崧), who led the team, demonstrated the computer’s ability to perform math operations at a press conference on Thursday, per a press release. This is the first time that a quantum algorithm has been realized with a single multi-dimensional photon, per CNA.

Chuu said that a photon is a fundamental particle that transmits electromagnetic interactions. Unlike traditional computers that use electricity to transmit data on circuit boards, optical quantum computers use light to transmit data and perform computations through quantum mechanics.

Chuu explained traditional computer bits use 1s and 0s, while quantum bits (qubits) can exist in both states simultaneously, a property known as “quantum superposition.” To enable a single photon to carry more information, the team developed a technology to store information in the 32-dimensional space of a photon.

Chu added photons can maintain a stable quantum state at room temperature, eliminating the need for extremely low-temperature environments, thus consuming less energy.

Dean Mou Chung-yu (牟中瑜) of the College of Science said optical quantum computer technology can be used in drug development, optimizing logistics, and improving cybersecurity.