Leptons as Elementary Qubits: Feasibility and Challenges

Authors

  • P.J. Kervalishvili Georgian Technical University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15407/ujpe71.2.146

Keywords:

quantum computing, qubits, leptons, decoherence, quantum error correction

Abstract

Quantum computing traditionally encodes information in engineered quantum systems such as superconducting circuits, trapped ions, or quantum dots. In this theoretical study, we explore a paradigm shift by proposing the direct use of elementary particles, specifically charged leptons (electrons, muons, and tau particles), as natural qubits. We analyze the intrinsic quantum properties of leptons – particularly their spin-1/2 degree of freedom – for qubit encoding, discussing the potential for long coherence times and minimal fabrication complexity. The significant challenges of environmental decoherence, state measurement, and scalability are examined in detail, with a focus on the unique obstacle of particle decay for muons and taus. We propose potential mitigation strategies, including advanced trapping techniques and quantum error correction, and outline future research directions. While substantial experimental hurdles remain, lepton-based qubits represent a promising, fundamental approach to quantum information processing that warrants further investigation.

References

1. J. Clarke, F.K. Wilhelm. Superconducting quantum bits. Nature 453, 1031 (2008).

https://doi.org/10.1038/nature07128

2. C. Monroe, J. Kim. Scaling the ion trap quantum processor. Science 339, 1164 (2013).

https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1231298

3. M. Veldhorst et al. A two-qubit logic gate in silicon. Nature 526, 410 (2015).

https://doi.org/10.1038/nature15263

4. D. Loss, D.P. DiVincenzo. Quantum computation with quantum dots. Phys. Rev. A 57, 120 (1998).

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.57.120

5. P.J. Kervalishvili. Quantum Information Science: Some Novel Views. In: Information and Computer Technologies (Nova Science Publishers, 2012).

6. P.J. Kervalishvili. Leptons based quantum computing. Acta Scient. Comp. Sci. 5 (7), 12 (2023).

7. S. Haroche, J.-M. Raimond. Exploring the Quantum: Atoms, Cavities, and Photons (Oxford University Press, 2006).

https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198509141.001.0001

8. M. Blasone et al. Particle mixing and entanglement. AIP Conference Proceedings 1160 (1), 103 (2009).

9. M.A. Nielsen, I.L. Chuang. Quantum Computation and Quantum Information (Cambridge University Press, 2010).

10. N. Gisin, R. Thew. Quantum communication. Nat. Photonics 1, 165 (2000).

https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2007.22

11. J.J.L. Morton et al. Solid-state quantum memory using the 31P nuclear spin. Nature 455, 1085 (2008).

https://doi.org/10.1038/nature07295

12. D.J. Wineland et al. Experimental issues in coherent quantum-state manipulation of trapped atomic ions. J. Res. Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. 103, 259 (1998).

https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.103.019

13. W.H. Zurek. Decoherence, einselection, and the quantum origins of the classical. Rev. Mod. Phys. 75, 715 (2003).

https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.75.715

14. R. Hanson, V.V. Dobrovitski, A.E. Feiguin, O. Gywat, D.D. Awschalom. Coherent dynamics of a single spin interacting with an adjustable spin bath. Science 320, 352 (2008).

https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1155400

15. L.S. Brown, G. Gabrielse. Geonium theory: Physics of a single electron or ion in a Penning trap. Rev. Mod. Phys. 58, 233 (1986).

https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.58.233

16. D.J. Wineland et al. Experimental issues in coherent quantum-statemanipulation of trapped atomic ions. J. Res. Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. 103, 259 (1998).

https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.103.019

17. R. Blatt, D. Wineland. Entangled states of trapped atomic ions. Nature 453 (7198), 1008 (2008).

https://doi.org/10.1038/nature07125

18. J.P. Bonilla Ataides et al. The XZZX surface code. Nat. Commun. 12, 2172 (2021).

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22274-1

19. N.P. Breuckmann, J.N. Eberhardt. Quantum low-density parity-check codes. PRX Quantum 2, 040101 (2021).

https://doi.org/10.1103/PRXQuantum.2.040101

20. S.M. Girvin. Circuit QED: Superconducting Qubits Coupled to Microwave Photons, in Quantum Machines: Measurement and Control of Engineered Quantum Systems (Les Houches, 2011).

21. Z. Leghtas et al. Hardware-efficient autonomous quantum memory protection. Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 120501 (2013).

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.120501

22. P.J. Kervalishvili. Quantum information technology and quantum sensory systems development. J. Internet Technol. Secured Trans. 4, 430 (2015).

https://doi.org/10.20533/jitst.2046.3723.2015.0055

23. R. Acciarri et al., (DUNE Collaboration). Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE, 2016). arXiv: 1601.05471.

24. T.P. Gorringe, D.W. Hertzog. Precision muon physics. Prog. Part. Nucl. Phys. 84, 73 (2015).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ppnp.2015.06.001

25. B.M. Terhal. Quantum error correction for quantum memories. Rev. Mod. Phys. 87, 307 (2015).

https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.87.307

Downloads

Published

2026-02-18

Issue

Vol. 71 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Theory

License

Copyright Agreement
License to Publish the Paper
Kyiv, Ukraine

The corresponding author and the co-authors (hereon referred to as the Author(s)) of the paper being submitted to the Ukrainian Journal of Physics (hereon referred to as the Paper) from one side and the Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, represented by its Director (hereon referred to as the Publisher) from the other side have come to the following Agreement:

1. Subject of the Agreement.
The Author(s) grant(s) the Publisher the free non-exclusive right to use the Paper (of scientific, technical, or any other content) according to the terms and conditions defined by this Agreement.

2. The ways of using the Paper.
2.1. The Author(s) grant(s) the Publisher the right to use the Paper as follows.
2.1.1. To publish the Paper in the Ukrainian Journal of Physics (hereon referred to as the Journal) in original language and translated into English (the copy of the Paper approved by the Author(s) and the Publisher and accepted for publication is a constitutive part of this License Agreement).
2.1.2. To edit, adapt, and correct the Paper by approval of the Author(s).
2.1.3. To translate the Paper in the case when the Paper is written in a language different from that adopted in the Journal.
2.2. If the Author(s) has(ve) an intent to use the Paper in any other way, e.g., to publish the translated version of the Paper (except for the case defined by Section 2.1.3 of this Agreement), to post the full Paper or any its part on the web, to publish the Paper in any other editions, to include the Paper or any its part in other collections, anthologies, encyclopaedias, etc., the Author(s) should get a written permission from the Publisher.

3. License territory.
The Author(s) grant(s) the Publisher the right to use the Paper as regulated by sections 2.1.1–2.1.3 of this Agreement on the territory of Ukraine and to distribute the Paper as indispensable part of the Journal on the territory of Ukraine and other countries by means of subscription, sales, and free transfer to a third party.

4. Duration.
4.1. This Agreement is valid starting from the date of signature and acts for the entire period of the existence of the Journal.

5. Loyalty.
5.1. The Author(s) warrant(s) the Publisher that:
– he/she is the true author (co-author) of the Paper;
– copyright on the Paper was not transferred to any other party;
– the Paper has never been published before and will not be published in any other media before it is published by the Publisher (see also section 2.2);
– the Author(s) do(es) not violate any intellectual property right of other parties. If the Paper includes some materials of other parties, except for citations whose length is regulated by the scientific, informational, or critical character of the Paper, the use of such materials is in compliance with the regulations of the international law and the law of Ukraine.

6. Requisites and signatures of the Parties.
Publisher: Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Address: Ukraine, Kyiv, Metrolohichna Str. 14-b.
Author: Electronic signature on behalf and with endorsement of all co-authors.

How to Cite

Leptons as Elementary Qubits: Feasibility and Challenges. (2026). Ukrainian Journal of Physics, 71(2), 146. https://doi.org/10.15407/ujpe71.2.146