Core Insights - A collaborative research team from the University of Colorado Boulder and Sandia National Laboratories has developed a super-miniature optical phase modulator, which is only one-hundredth the diameter of a human hair, capable of controlling laser frequencies with extremely low power consumption and high precision, providing core support for future large-scale quantum computers [1][2] Group 1: Technological Advancements - The new optical phase modulator utilizes microwave frequency vibrations oscillating billions of times per second to precisely control the phase of lasers, efficiently generating stable new laser frequencies on a chip [1] - The device's microwave power consumption is approximately 1/80 that of various commercial modulators while achieving the same functionality [1] Group 2: Implications for Quantum Computing - Lower power consumption leads to reduced heat generation, allowing for more optical channels to be densely packed and even integrated on the same chip, enabling unified and precise control of laser frequencies and phases for a large number of atoms [2] - This advancement supports the realization of a powerful and scalable atomic control system, essential for quantum computing [2] Group 3: Manufacturing and Industry Impact - The device is manufactured using CMOS technology in a wafer fabrication facility, which is the most mature and scalable manufacturing technology in the modern chip industry, widely used in smartphones, computers, and various electronic devices [2] - This achievement is expected to drive the transition of optical technology from large, high-energy traditional optical devices to highly integrated, low-power photonic chip platforms [2]