Phonons

Context: 

According to a paper published in Science, it is possible to build a quantum computer whose information unit is sound/phonon

About Phonon:

• A phonon is a definite discrete unit or quantum of vibrational mechanical energy, just as a photon is a quantum of electromagnetic or light energy.
• Phonons and electrons are the two main types of elementary particles or excitations in solids. 
• Whereas electrons are responsible for the electrical properties of materials, phonons determine such things as the speed of sound within a material and how much heat it takes to change its temperature.

News Source: The Hindu

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