{
  "id": 6329350,
  "title": "Helium-3 lifts new quantum computing concept with faster tunneling rates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/helium-3-lifts-new-quantum-computing-concept-with-faster-tunneling",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-08T21:20:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-helium-quantum-concept-faster-tunneling.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Helium, the lightest atom, powers a new design for quantum computers in a paper published in PRX Quantum. The University of Chicago team led by Associate Professor Jacob Covey uses high-powered lasers to capture and control individual helium atoms as optical tweezers. Helium's light weight offers faster tunneling rates, about three times faster than lithium-based designs. Its energy structure is more resolved, allowing easier laser cooling. Helium-3, an isotope with different quantum properties than helium-4, is used in this design. The team will build the device in collaboration with Assistant Professor Zoe Yan to trap and control individual helium-3 atoms soon.",
  "summary": "Helium—the lightest atom that can be laser-cooled and controlled—powers a new design for high-powered, stable quantum computers.",
  "key_points": [
    "University of Chicago team uses lasers to control helium atoms",
    "Helium's light weight enables faster tunneling rates, 3x faster than lithium",
    "Helium-3 isotope with unique quantum properties used in design"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}