The Phase-Change Quantum Annealer is a groundbreaking quantum computing device that harnesses the power of field-directed nanoparticle assembly, vitrification, optical readout, and thermal reconfiguration to solve complex optimization problems.
U.S. Provisional Patent Application filed June 23, 2026
1. Field-Directed Assembly
In the liquid phase, electrode arrays drive the precise positioning of quantum dot "qubits" using metal nanoparticle scaffolds.
2. Vitrification
Rapid cooling locks the quantum dots into a glass matrix, enabling quantum tunneling and annealing.
3. Optical Readout
Quantum states are read through fluorescence spectroscopy, preserving coherence.
4. Thermal Reconfiguration
Local heating allows selective melting and refreezing to reconfigure problem topology.
Harnesses quantum tunneling to speed up solving of complex optimization problems.
Field-directed assembly enables large quantum dot arrays at low fabrication cost.
Reconfiguration via local heating allows "on-the-fly" adjustment of problem structure.
Operates at liquid nitrogen temperatures, simplifying cooling vs. competing approaches.
Michael McFadden is an independent researcher and inventor exploring the intersection of nanotechnology, computing, and complex fluids. The Phase-Change Quantum Annealer builds on his prior invention, the Volumetric Colloidal Computer.