This is what a 50-qubit quantum computer looks like

From a distance, a 50-qubit quantum computer resembles a steampunk chandelier, an intricate arrangement of tubes and wires leading to a small steel cylinder at the base. However, it is much more than a decorative piece; it is one of the most advanced quantum computers ever created. The processor contained within this quantum computer comprises 50 quantum bits, or qubits, which have the potential to revolutionize computation. Unlike classical computers that encode information as ones and zeroes, qubits can represent both values simultaneously through a phenomenon called superposition. Consequently, a quantum computer can test both possibilities simultaneously, and as the number of qubits increases, so does its computational power.

IBM made headlines in November when it unveiled the world’s first 50-qubit quantum computer. Housed in a laboratory within a large white case, the computer is equipped with pumps to maintain a cool temperature and traditional computers to manage algorithms and tasks. At CES (Consumer Electronics Show) earlier this year, IBM displayed the internal components, such as the wires and tubes required to send signals to the chip and keep the system cool. IBM Research Vice President Jeffrey Welser explained that the primary challenge lies in isolating the chip from unwanted interference known as noise. This noise encompasses electrical, magnetic, and thermal disturbances, and even the room’s temperature can render the entire machine useless.

The cooling process within the quantum computer involves a gradual decrease in temperature from four Kelvin (liquid-helium temperatures) to 800 milliKelvin, 100 milliKelvin, and finally, 10 milliKelvin. Inside the canister, the temperature reaches a mere 10 thousandths of a degree above absolute zero. RF-frequency signals are transmitted down the wires to the chip, where they are mapped onto the qubits and execute the desired programs. The design of the wiring ensures that no extraneous noise, including heat, is transferred to the quantum computer chip located at the bottom.

Many experts in the field suggest that a 50-qubit system has the potential to achieve quantum supremacy, which refers to a quantum computer outperforming traditional systems or accomplishing seemingly impossible tasks. However, it is important to note that quantum computers are only compatible with specific algorithms. They excel in areas such as quantum chemistry and material simulations but are unlikely to be used for tasks like creating PowerPoint presentations. According to Welser, the world is fundamentally quantum, and to accurately simulate it, a quantum computer is required.

Although researchers have conducted experiments with quantum computers, there is a desire for these machines to demonstrate tangible achievements that hold more significance for everyday consumers. IBM scientists, for instance, simulated beryllium hydride (BeH2) on a seven-qubit quantum processor in September of the previous year. However, critics are eager to witness a quantum computer accomplishing something more substantial. Welser acknowledges that while progress is being made, it may take some time before the public can fully comprehend and utilize quantum computing in practical applications.

As the number of qubits continues to grow, quantum computers will reach a point where they can perform simulations more efficiently than their classical counterparts. Welser predicts that within the range of 50 to 100 qubits, scientists will be able to claim significant advancements in simulating complex molecules in minutes, a task that previously required days of computation on traditional systems. However, it remains uncertain when quantum computers will offer applications that the general public can readily understand and utilize.

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2018-01-09-this-is-what-a-50-qubit-quantum-computer-looks-like.html

What Do Quantum Computers Look Like?

Quantum computers, although still in the developmental stage, have a physical form that can be observed. Companies like IBM and Google are leading the way in quantum computing research, and they have built quantum computers that are being used for real-world problem-solving. However, the development of fully operational quantum computers is still ongoing, and scientists face challenges in validating the results obtained from these machines.

One of the key issues with quantum computers is their reliability. Unlike classical computers, quantum computers can produce slightly different results for the same input, which poses challenges for verification and validation. Before quantum computing can progress further, each step of its technological evolution needs to be thoroughly validated. IBM and Google, among others, acknowledge that quantum computing is still in the experimental phase, and it will take time to reach a stage where the performance is comparable to classical computers.

Quantum computers have the theoretical capability to hack almost any security system. However, currently, they are not advanced enough to achieve such feats. While quantum computers can potentially compromise existing security protocols, they also have the potential to develop more secure cybersecurity measures. Countries heavily invested in quantum computing research will have an advantage in shaping the future of cybersecurity.

The possibilities of quantum computing are vast and far-reaching. Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize fields like molecular modeling, energy sources, pharmaceutical research, and supply chains. Quantum computers excel at recognizing patterns, and when combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning, they can unlock new frontiers in scientific discovery. With their unprecedented computational power, quantum computers can accelerate the analysis of vast amounts of information and reveal patterns that were previously unknown.

The impact of quantum computing on the world will be transformative. With advancements in accurate weather forecasting, optimized supply chains, financial modeling, and transportation systems, societies can benefit from reduced disruptions, lower costs, and improved environmental sustainability. Quantum computing can also drive economic developments, transform education, and contribute to resolving poverty issues. Furthermore, quantum computers could revolutionize personalized medicine by analyzing the impact of drugs and treatments on an individual’s unique genome.

In the realm of space exploration, quantum computers hold the potential to solve existing challenges and enable humanity to expand beyond Earth. They could facilitate the understanding and colonization of other planets, such as Mars, paving the way for a multiplanetary future. While these possibilities remain largely speculative, they represent the incredible potential of quantum computing.

Despite being in their early stages, quantum computers will undoubtedly change the world. The promises they hold, from solving complex problems to transforming industries and advancing scientific discovery, make them an unprecedented technological breakthrough. The full realization of these possibilities may still be in the distant future, but the trajectory of quantum computing suggests a transformative impact on society and the world as a whole.

Source: https://blog.purestorage.com/purely-informational/what-do-quantum-computers-look-like/

How a quantum computer works

Scientists from the University of California in Santa Barbara, supported by Google, recently achieved computing power supremacy with their quantum computer. They reported that their quantum computer solved an arithmetic task in 200 seconds, while a conventional supercomputer would have needed 10,000 years. IBM contradicted this claim, stating that their supercomputer could have completed the same task in 2.5 days. Despite the dispute, it is clear that the quantum computer outperformed the supercomputer in terms of speed.

In the world of quantum computing, the basic unit of information is called a qubit, or quantum bit. Unlike traditional digital bits, which can have a value of either 0 or 1, qubits can simultaneously exist in multiple states between 0 and 1. This concept can be illustrated by imagining a spinning coin that has not yet fallen, where it is neither heads up nor tails up. This idea was famously described by Erwin Schrödinger in 1935 using the example of a cat in a box that could be both alive and dead until observed. This superposition of states in quantum mechanics allows for the potential of exponentially increasing computing power.

Quantum entanglement is another key concept in quantum computing. It refers to the correlation between two quantum systems, such as qubits, where their states are connected until measured. Using the coin analogy, two spinning coins can be entangled, meaning they will always have the same state regardless of their physical distance. However, once one of the coins is observed and its state is determined, the entanglement collapses.

In practice, increasing the number of qubits in a quantum computer should lead to exponentially increasing computing power. However, maintaining precision and minimizing errors are significant challenges. The error rate must be minimal, and quantum entanglement between the qubits must work correctly. Even small malfunctions can cause a breakdown in computing power. Google has developed its own error-correcting process to achieve an accuracy of 99.99%.

The physical structure of a quantum computer is distinct from traditional computers. It consists of a superconducting chip containing qubits arranged in a pattern similar to a chessboard. The qubits are tiny capacitors made of niobium, and their charges oscillate between states. Small adjustible couplers, called resonators, connect the qubits. The chip operates in an electromagnetic microwave field at extremely cold temperatures near absolute zero, achieved by cooling it with a mixture of liquefied helium and regular helium.

Unlike conventional computers, the software for quantum computers is fundamentally different. Quantum computers excel at solving certain complex mathematical tasks, but they are not yet capable of replacing supercomputers in practical applications. Research is still at an early stage, and it is yet to be proven whether a quantum computer can run stably for extended periods. The programming logic for quantum computers is also different, requiring specific designs to harness the quantum effects. Therefore, current programming efforts are focused on testing and basic research rather than solving real-world tasks.

In conclusion, quantum computers represent a significant development in computing power, with the potential for exponential growth through the use of qubits and quantum effects. However, practical applications are still limited, and significant challenges remain in maintaining stability, minimizing errors, and developing software that can fully utilize the capabilities of quantum computers.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/how-a-quantum-computer-works/a-50969000

Take a look at Google’s quantum computing technology

Google’s quantum computing technology is a groundbreaking development in the field of computing. The company has made significant strides in harnessing the power of quantum mechanics to create a quantum computer that has the potential to revolutionize various industries.

At the heart of Google’s quantum computer is the Sycamore quantum processor, which boasts an impressive 54 qubits. Qubits are the fundamental units of information in quantum computing and allow for storing and processing data in ways that traditional computers cannot achieve. The Sycamore processor is housed within a super-cooled environment, maintained at temperatures just above absolute zero, to minimize outside energy interference.

The complexity of Google’s quantum computer is evident in its intricate design. The computer comprises multiple layers, each maintained at progressively colder temperatures. The top layer includes communication links and equipment to pump liquid helium coolant through the machine, ensuring optimal operating conditions for the quantum processor. The middle layer houses the control lines, which are responsible for transmitting electromagnetic signals used to control computation and read data from the qubits. Finally, at the bottom layer, the qubit-housing quantum computing chips reside.

The communication between the quantum computer and the outside world is facilitated through a network of coaxial cables. These cables, although expensive, are crucial for enabling the transfer of information to and from the qubits. With 216 channels of coaxial cable, the quantum computer can engage in a wide range of research activities, with the flexibility to unplug certain channels as needed.

Google takes a hands-on approach in the development and assembly of its quantum computer components. Many of these components cannot be purchased off the shelf, necessitating in-house design and manufacturing. For instance, the Sycamore chip, comprising two bonded parts, houses the qubits responsible for data processing, while the controller interface enables communication with the external world.

The potential of quantum computing is not lost on the researchers and engineers at Google. They envision a future where quantum computers will be significantly more powerful, with a higher number of qubits and reduced errors. This progress will require miniaturization of elements such as communication control boards, as the number of qubits increases.

Quantum computing programming is an essential aspect of harnessing the full capabilities of Google’s quantum computer. The computer receives data-processing instructions through a screen, which translates the algorithms into actions performed by the qubits. The actual programming process is intricate, leveraging the principles of quantum physics to achieve specific computational goals.

Within Google’s quantum computing lab, the company proudly displays its logo adorned with the |> notation used in quantum physics. This symbol serves as a reminder of the remarkable advancements made in the field of quantum computing and the potential for further exploration and discovery.

In conclusion, Google’s quantum computing technology represents a significant leap forward in the world of computing. Through the powerful capabilities of the Sycamore quantum processor and the intricate design of the quantum computer, Google is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in data processing and computational power. As the field of quantum computing continues to evolve, Google aims to improve its quantum computers by increasing the number of qubits and reducing errors, opening up new avenues for innovation and advancement in various industries.

Source: https://www.cnet.com/pictures/take-a-look-at-googles-quantum-computing-technology/

The World’s Highest Performing Quantum Computer is Here

Our team of scientists, engineers, and technicians has successfully developed the world’s highest performing quantum computer. This remarkable achievement places us at the forefront of quantum computing technology, surpassing all existing alternatives in the industry. With twice the power of its closest competitor, our quantum computer brings us closer to solving computational problems that were previously impractical for traditional computers to handle.

The key to the incredible performance of our quantum computers lies in the quality of the qubits and their remarkably low error rates. This is made possible by utilizing identical, fully connected qubits and employing precision control techniques. According to Tony Uttley, the president of our company, these factors contribute to the immense power of our quantum computers.

To better understand the physical structure of a quantum computer, let’s take a step back in time. Imagine the early computers from 60 years ago, occupying entire rooms and filled with countless wires. In many ways, our quantum computers resemble those early models.

The heart of our quantum computer resides in an ultra-high vacuum chamber. This stainless steel sphere, approximately the size of a basketball, is equipped with portals that allow laser light to enter. The air inside the chamber is pumped out to create a vacuum with significantly fewer particles than outer space. To cool the ion trap chip within the chamber, liquid helium is used, bringing the temperature to a mere 10 degrees above absolute zero (-441 degrees Fahrenheit or colder than the surface temperature of Pluto).

Within the vacuum chamber, individual atoms are levitated 0.1 mm above an ion trap, a silicon chip coated in gold about the size of a quarter. These positively charged atoms are subjected to laser beams for performing quantum operations.

To put the size of an atom into perspective, Tony explains that cupping your hands into a sphere would contain approximately a trillion trillion atoms.

Controlling the quantum computer involves a significant amount of equipment. Control systems are required to precisely manipulate the hundreds of independent electrical signals needed to move the qubits (ions) in a complex dance, crucial for executing quantum information algorithms. Since all operations are performed with lasers, numerous optics must be aligned on optical tables, each specialized for a specific color of light. This infrastructure occupies around two large optical tables, measuring approximately 5 feet wide and 20 feet long. Despite the considerable space taken up by this equipment, the true computing power is harnessed by the few atoms suspended above the trap surface.

The power of quantum computers lies in their ability to explore multiple potential outcomes simultaneously. This is where quantum physics plays a crucial role. While traditional computing bits are in a state of either 0 or 1, quantum bits, known as qubits, can exist in both states simultaneously due to a property called superposition.

Tony describes this property as a quantum superpower because it enables an exponential expansion in the number of values that can be considered simultaneously when qubits interact with each other during a computation.

This ability allows quantum computers to solve certain computations that even the most powerful supercomputers cannot handle. For instance, determining the best path for robots in a distribution center to optimize item selection and order packing, which is an answer beyond the reach of supercomputers.

These computations are executed using specialized algorithms designed specifically for quantum computers. Although similar to classical algorithms from computer science, quantum algorithms incorporate a combination of physics and mathematics expertise. Within the quantum ecosystem, there are experts in quantum algorithms who specialize in transforming real-world problems into algorithms suitable for quantum computers. Our company has invested in two such companies, Computing and , and established partnerships with them.

When we embarked on the journey to build a quantum computer, our focus was on creating a system with minimal errors, starting with a smaller number of qubits and gradually scaling up. By achieving remarkably low errors in our quantum operations, each new qubit added to the machine expands its quantum volume, increasing the computing capabilities we can offer to our customers.

Thanks to our partnership with , we can provide organizations with access to our quantum computing power directly through our interface and also through the Azure Quantum portal.

The promise of quantum computing, ultimately, is that instead of getting close, you get exact, states Tony. You’re able to examine all those different interactions simultaneously to reach an optimal solution.

Source: https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/news/2020/06/the-worlds-highest-performing-quantum-computer-is-here

In photos: Journey to the center of a quantum computer

IBM’s quantum computer, with its complex design and construction, operates through a combination of hardware and software. Popular Science had the opportunity to explore the quantum center at IBM’s Yorktown Heights campus, offering insights into the workings of these fascinating machines.

At the heart of IBM’s quantum computer is a tiny chip, no larger than a quarter, which holds the key to solving complex problems that challenge classical computers. However, the quantum computer’s infrastructure goes beyond the chip itself and is structured like a Russian doll, with intricate interconnections within a complex contraption reminiscent of a Rube-Goldberg machine.

To exhibit quantum properties, objects must be either very small or very cold. IBM employs a dilution refrigerator, a layered chandelier-like structure resembling an upside-down gold steampunk wedding cake, to keep their qubits (quantum bits) cool and stable. This infrastructure, created specifically for the 50-qubit chip, consists of multiple plates, each progressively colder as they approach the ground. The lowest plate, on which the quantum processor is mounted, reaches temperatures as low as 10 to 15 milli-Kelvin, approximately -460 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cooling process involves copper pieces connected to cold heads, forming part of a closed-cycle helium cryocooler. Tubes feeding into lower levels introduce another closed cycle of cryogenic material composed of a mixture of helium isotopes. The housing structure also includes a gas handling system, pumps, temperature monitors, and custom-built classical control electronics. Users interact with the quantum computer through IBM’s quantum cloud service, orchestrating gates and circuits that are translated into microwave pulses and distributed throughout the system to control the qubits. The readout pulses retrieve the qubit states, which are then translated back into binary values and returned to the users.

Qubits are the fundamental units of information in quantum computers, analogous to classical computers’ binary bits. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in a superposition, simultaneously representing zero and one. The technical lead of theory, algorithms, and applications at IBM Quantum, Zaira Nazario, explains that superposition is a common phenomenon in the real world, as seen in music’s combination of frequencies. Qubits, being waveforms, possess a phase and can interact with one another.

IBM primarily works with superconducting qubits made of materials such as niobium, aluminum, and tantalum. These qubits sit on the chip and are packaged like a printed circuit board, with wires and coaxial cables for input and output signals. IBM aims to develop more compact solutions for higher-qubit chips, reducing clutter and facilitating better cooling. Achieving the desired temperatures for the quantum computer currently takes about 48 hours. The entire device is vacuum-sealed to shield the qubits from unwanted photons, electromagnetic radiation, and magnetic fields.

Microwave signals, ranging from 4 to 7 gigahertz, control the qubits. Classical electronics generate these signals, which travel through cables to deliver input signals and carry output signals. As the signals pass through the system, they encounter various components like filters, attenuators, and amplifiers.

To understand the functioning of a qubit, it helps to think of an artificial atom. A nonlinear microwave oscillator, composed of superconducting materials separated by a thin insulator, acts as a qubit. Jerry Chow, director of quantum infrastructure at IBM, compares quantum oscillators to classical oscillators that convert direct current into an alternating current. Nonlinear oscillators, however, exhibit uneven energy level spacing, and the two lowest energy levels represent the quantum zero and one states.

Manipulating a qubit involves applying microwave photons of specific energy levels and durations to excite or de-excite a quantum of energy within the nonlinear microwave oscillator. When the qubit is hit with a pulse, it transitions to an excited state, and another pulse brings it back to the ground state. By adjusting the energy or time parameters, a superposition state can be achieved, where the qubit has an equal probability of being in zero or one.

Users can utilize circuit elements, pulse frequencies, durations, and energy levels to manipulate and couple qubits, perform conditional operations, and build entangled states. The interference and interaction between qubits can amplify or deconstruct the message encoded within them.

Quantum computers have found practical applications in various fields. IBM’s partners are exploring quantum solutions in chemistry and materials, machine learning, and optimization. Quantum computers excel at linear algebra and perform functions that are exponentially challenging for classical computers. Katie Pizzolato, director of strategy and applications research at IBM Quantum, emphasizes the importance of leveraging quantum capabilities on the most difficult parts of a problem rather than the entire problem itself.

Quantum computers offer advantages in simulating properties like bonds and connected electrons, making them valuable in chemistry and materials research. Their ability to handle complex distributions and computationally expensive operations has also led to applications in options pricing, biopharmaceutical research, and natural sciences.

While IBM continues to enhance the hardware and software of its quantum computers, the company acknowledges the need for optimization and improvement in existing components. The software plays a significant role in advancing the capabilities of quantum computers, enabling intelligent orchestration, circuit-knitting, and breaking down complex problems. IBM aims to build a community of partners from various sectors and solve real-world problems that are challenging for classical computers.

In conclusion, IBM’s journey to the center of a quantum computer reveals the intricate infrastructure and operations behind these powerful machines. Quantum computers, with their ability to process information using qubits and exploit quantum phenomena, have the potential to revolutionize industries such as chemistry, machine learning, and optimization. As IBM continues its research and development efforts, the future of quantum computing holds immense promise for solving previously intractable problems.

Source: https://www.popsci.com/technology/in-photos-journey-to-the-center-of-a-quantum-computer/

Hands-On with Google’s Quantum Computer

In a laboratory at Google’s facility in Goleta, California, I find myself standing before a massive touch screen. Using my finger, I manipulate symbols on the screen that represent functions performed on a quantum bit, or qubit, inside a nearby cylinder. Qubits have the ability to exist in states beyond the traditional binary 1 or 0, allowing them to perform multiple calculations simultaneously through a phenomenon called superposition. The process seems almost magical, as if a rabbit is being pulled from a quantum hat. However, Google has invited me and other journalists to witness this technology firsthand and dispel any notion of magic.

On the screen, squiggly lines depict waveforms corresponding to the functions being executed on the qubits. Next to the display is a box that sends electrical pulses carrying these waveforms into the silver cylinder through wires. The cylinder houses six chambers, each progressively colder than the one above it. Shielded from external disturbances like light and heat, the qubits on a chip at the end of the wires become superconductors, behaving like single atoms and adhering to the laws of quantum mechanics.

By using gentle microwave pulses, the qubits vibrate, and when neighboring qubits reach the same resonant frequency, they become entangled. This entanglement means that the state of one qubit can be determined by measuring the state of the other. By employing electromagnetic pulses at different frequencies, the qubits can be flipped. Google’s quantum team claims to have achieved quantum supremacy, the point at which a quantum computer can perform tasks that a classical computer cannot. They recently published an article in Nature, detailing an experiment conducted with over 50 qubits that demonstrated quantum supremacy.

Critics argue that the specific task used to demonstrate quantum supremacy lacks practical application in the real world. Nonetheless, scientists like David Awschalom acknowledge that Google’s achievement represents a significant milestone and provides valuable results for further research. Google’s quantum chip, Sycamore, consists of 53 qubits, and during an experiment, it generated strings of 1s and 0s faster than Summit, a supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It completed the task in 200 seconds, whereas Summit would have required 10,000 years.

Researchers at IBM, who are also developing quantum computing, challenge the notion of quantum supremacy, stating that Summit could accomplish the task in two and a half days with ideal conditions and additional memory storage. The quantum computing community has yet to establish a consensus on how to compare different quantum computers, especially those based on various technologies. While Google and IBM both use superconductors for their qubits, other approaches rely on trapped ions manipulated by laser beams.

For quantum computers to reach their full potential, error correction becomes crucial. Quantum computers must be capable of finding and rectifying errors that occur when qubits spontaneously flip or when their superposition decays due to external interference. Google’s current qubits last about 10 microseconds before decaying, and the company is developing statistical methods to correct errors. The results so far suggest that further improvement in error correction is possible.

Moving forward, Google aims to enhance qubit performance, reduce errors, and interlink a larger number of qubits. They also plan to shrink the size of their control boxes and address cooling challenges as the number of qubits expands. Julian Kelly, a member of Google’s quantum team, acknowledges that the recent announcement is primarily an engineering feat. However, it opens up new possibilities in uncharted territory. The ultimate outcome of this progress remains uncertain, as this is just the beginning of their journey.

Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hands-on-with-googles-quantum-computer/