Scientists have successfully developed the world's smallest quantum computer, which can operate at room temperature and has a size comparable to a desktop computer. This device uses a single photon as a quantum bit (qubit) and is capable of performing complex mathematical operations such as prime factorization.
In contrast to other quantum computers that require near-absolute zero temperatures and complex cooling systems, this new device does not require any special cooling equipment. Researchers have stored information in the '32 dimensions' of a single photon, setting a new record for the number of accessible computational dimensions in a single qubit.
Furthermore, because photons can maintain a stable quantum state at room temperature, this quantum computer is designed to have lower energy consumption and reduced operational costs. Future applications of this photon-based quantum computer may include integration with optical communication networks and other photonic classical computing systems.
References: [Link to Live Science article](https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/scientists-build-the-smallest-quantum-computer-in-the-world-it-works-at-room-temperature-and-you-can-fit-it-on-your-desk)