A simple chemical tweak could supercharge quantum computers

Science Daily

February 25, 2026

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Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in developing materials for quantum computers by tweaking the chemical composition of ultra-thin films. By adjusting the ratio of tellurium to selenium, researchers were able to manipulate how electrons interact within iron telluride selenide, guiding the material into a topological superconducting state. This discovery, published in *Nature Communications*, offers a practical and scalable method for creating stable quantum materials, which are essential for next-generation quantum devices. Topological superconductors are highly sought after for their natural stability, as their unique quantum states resist disruptions caused by environmental noise—a major challenge in current quantum computing technology. Previous attempts to create these materials relied on bulk crystals, which were difficult to manipulate and inconsistent in composition. The new ultra-thin films, however, operate at higher temperatures (up to 13 Kelvin) and provide greater uniformity, making them easier to integrate into devices. The material at the center of this research, iron telluride selenide, is unique for its combination of superconductivity, strong spin-orbit coupling, and pronounced electronic correlations. By carefully adjusting the proportions of tellurium and selenium, researchers can fine-tune electron interactions, effectively “turning a dial” to achieve the ideal quantum state. This approach provides a powerful tool for designing materials tailored for quantum technologies. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for quantum computing by addressing key challenges in material stability and scalability. The ability to engineer topological superconductors through simple chemical adjustments represents a major step forward in realizing practical, large-scale quantum devices. As researchers continue to explore the potential of these thin films, collaborations with industry partners aim to translate this discovery into real-world applications for next-generation computing.

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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/25/2026