Phonons

Context: According to a paper published in Science, it is possible to build a quantum computer whose information unit is sound/phonon About Phonon:
  • A phonon is a definite discrete unit or quantum of vibrational mechanical energy, just as a photon is a quantum of electromagnetic or light energy.
  • Phonons and electrons are the two main types of elementary particles or excitations in solids.
  • Whereas electrons are responsible for the electrical properties of materials, phonons determine such things as the speed of sound within a material and how much heat it takes to change its temperature.
News Source: The Hindu
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