The choice of how to hold and manipulate qubits, which can be represented by electrons in certain quantum systems, depends on the specific platform and implementation of a quantum computer. There are different approaches being explored, and each has its own advantages and challenges.
In semiconductor-based quantum computing, qubits are typically implemented using quantum dots or other semiconductor structures. These qubits are formed by manipulating the behavior of electrons within the semiconductor material. The electrons can be confined to small regions and controlled using electrical potentials. This approach benefits from the mature semiconductor fabrication techniques and can integrate well with existing semiconductor technologies.
On the other hand, laser tweezers, or optical trapping techniques, involve the use of focused laser beams to trap and manipulate particles, including individual atoms or ions, as qubits. This approach has been used in various experimental setups, such as trapped ion quantum computers or neutral atom-based quantum systems. Laser tweezers allow for precise control and manipulation of individual qubits.
It's important to note that different platforms have different strengths and challenges, and the choice depends on factors such as scalability, coherence time, error rates, and the specific requirements of the desired quantum computations. Additionally, there are various other qubit implementations being explored, such as superconducting circuits, topological qubits, and more.
Overall, both semiconductor-based quantum systems and laser tweezers have their own advantages and challenges. The field of quantum computing is still evolving rapidly, and researchers are exploring multiple approaches to find the most viable and scalable solutions for building practical quantum computers.