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Quantum Computing Without Heat: An Implication of the Three States of Light Theory

Marcus Blackwell

Published May 12, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This short paper builds on the Three States of Light theory (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20132207). It explores the implications for quantum computing, showing that heat generation is a property of Crystallized Light (matter-based qubits), not Bound Light (photonic quibits). Photonic quantum computing is therefore intrinsically lossless. A speculative third regime (Unbound Light) would generate zero heat. The paper does not claim to invent photonic quantum computing. It cites prior work (KLM 2001, O'Brien 2007, Rudolf 2017, etc.) and uses the Three States of Light framework to explain why photonic qubits have inherent advantages over matter-based qubits. Keywords: quantum computing, photonic quantum computing, three states of light, Bound Light, Crystallized Light, heat dissipation, Unbound Light Version 1 - May 12, 2026

DOI
10.5281/zenodo.20133572

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This short paper builds on the Three States of Light theory (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20132207). It explores the implications for quantum computing, showing that heat generation is a property of Crystallized Light (matter-based qubits), not Bound Light (photonic quibits). Photonic quantum computing is therefore intrinsically lossless. A speculative third regime (Unbound Light) would generate zero heat. The paper does not claim to invent photonic quantum computing. It cites prior work (KLM 2001, O'Brien 2007, Rudolf 2017, etc.) and uses the Three States of Light framework to explain why photonic qubits have inherent advantages over matter-based qubits. Keywords: quantum computing, photonic quantum computing, three states of light, Bound Light, Crystallized Light, heat dissipation, Unbound Light Version 1 - May 12, 2026
The elementary excitations in weakly interacting quantum fluids have a non-trivial nature which is at the basis of defining quantum phenomena such as superfluidity. These excitations and the physics they lead to have been explored in closed quantum systems at thermal equilibrium both theoretically within the celebrated Bogoliubov framework, and experimentally in quantum fluids of ultracold atoms. Over the past decade, the relevance of Bogoliubov excitations has become essential to understand quantum fluids of interacting photons. Their driven-dissipative character leads to distinct properties with respect to their equilibrium counterparts. For instance, the condensate coupling to the photonic vacuum environment leads to a non-zero generation rate of elementary excitations with many striking implications. In this work, considering that quantum fluids of light are often hosted in solid-state systems, we show within a joint theory-experiment analysis that the vibrations of the crystal constitute another environment that the condensate is fundamentally coupled to. This coupling leads to a unique heat transfer mechanism, resulting in a large generation rate of elementary excitations in typical experimental conditions, and to a fundamental non-zero contribution at vanishing temperatures. Our work provides a complete framework for solid-embedded quantum fluids of light, which is invaluable in view of achieving a regime dominated by photon vacuum fluctuations.
The elementary excitations in weakly interacting quantum fluids have a nontrivial nature which is at the basis of defining quantum phenomena such as superfluidity.These excitations and the physics they lead to have been explored in closed quantum systems at thermal equilibrium both theoretically within the celebrated Bogoliubov framework and experimentally in quantum fluids of ultracold atoms.Over the past decade, the relevance of Bogoliubov excitations has become essential to understand quantum fluids of interacting photons.Their driven-dissipative character leads to distinct properties with respect to their equilibrium counterparts.For instance, the condensate coupling to the photonic vacuum environment leads to a nonzero generation rate of elementary excitations with many striking implications.In this work, considering that quantum fluids of light are often hosted in solid-state systems, we show within a joint theory-experiment analysis that the vibrations of the crystal constitute another environment that the condensate is fundamentally coupled to.This coupling leads to a unique heat transfer mechanism, resulting in a large generation rate of elementary excitations in typical experimental conditions, and to a fundamental nonzero contribution at vanishing temperatures.Our work provides a complete framework for solidembedded quantum fluids of light, which is invaluable in view of achieving a regime dominated by photonvacuum fluctuations.
In recent years, quantum computing has made significant strides, particularly in light-based technology. The introduction of quantum photonic chips has ushered in an era marked by scalability, stability, and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for innovative possibilities within compact footprints. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of photonic quantum computing, covering key aspects such as encoding information in photons, the merits of photonic qubits, and essential photonic device components including light squeezers, quantum light sources, interferometers, photodetectors, and waveguides. The article also examines photonic quantum communication and internet, and its implications for secure systems, detailing implementations such as quantum key distribution and long-distance communication. Emerging trends in quantum communication and essential reconfigurable elements for advancing photonic quantum internet are discussed. The review further navigates the path towards establishing scalable and fault-tolerant photonic quantum computers, highlighting quantum computational advantages achieved using photons. Additionally, the discussion extends to programmable photonic circuits, integrated photonics and transformative applications. Lastly, the review addresses prospects, implications, and challenges in photonic quantum computing, offering valuable insights into current advancements and promising future directions in this technology.
Modern quantum nanophotonics is revealed as the unique synergy between the quantum world and nanophotonics providing us with novel ways of controlling the quantum states of light, and enabling novel routes towards the realisation of future generation’s quantum information processing (QIP) systems. Focusing on the quantum photon-matter interaction, nano-confined light, nano-optical quantum interference and the control of linear and nonlinear quantum phenomena at the nanoscale in terms of the quantum superposition and entanglement, we provide a fundamental description of nano-photonic quantum systems. In particular, deep discussions on the outstanding characteristics of nano-structured photonic circuits are essential to understand the strong light-matter coupling, capable of boosting the coherence times and the processing efficiency of qubits, i.e., the basic building blocks of quantum computing. Furthermore, a progressive approach dealing with the QIP functionalities within concepts of quantum communication networks and powerful quantum computational architectures is provided, motivating an empirical hunt for efficient QIP approaches. Positive perspectives are given on the potential implications of modern quantum nanophotonics to the theoretical frameworks of the field.
Photonics is the platform of choice to build a modular, easy-to-network quantum computer operating at room temperature. However, no concrete architecture has been presented so far that exploits both the advantages of qubits encoded into states of light and the modern tools for their generation. Here we propose such a design for a scalable fault-tolerant photonic quantum computer informed by the latest developments in theory and technology. Central to our architecture is the generation and manipulation of three-dimensional resource states comprising both bosonic qubits and squeezed vacuum states. The proposal exploits state-of-the-art procedures for the non-deterministic generation of bosonic qubits combined with the strengths of continuous-variable quantum computation, namely the implementation of Clifford gates using easy-to-generate squeezed states. Moreover, the architecture is based on two-dimensional integrated photonic chips used to produce a qubit cluster state in one temporal and two spatial dimensions. By reducing the experimental challenges as compared to existing architectures and by enabling room-temperature quantum computation, our design opens the door to scalable fabrication and operation, which may allow photonics to leap-frog other platforms on the path to a quantum computer with millions of qubits.