Researchers from the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum have shown for the first time that quantum bits (qubits) can be transferred directly between computer microchips and have demonstrated this with record speed and accuracy.
This breakthrough (Qubits can be transferred directly between computer microchips) solves a major challenge in building quantum computers large enough and powerful enough to solve complex problems of critical importance to society. Today, quantum computers operate at a scale of 100 qubits.
Experts predict that millions of qubits are needed to solve important problems that are impossible for today’s most powerful supercomputers [1, 2]. There is a global quantum competition to develop quantum computers that can help solve many important social challenges, from drug discovery to improving the energy efficiency of fertilizer production and solving important problems in almost be any industry, from aerospace to the financial sector.
In a research paper, published on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 in Nature Communications, scientists show how they use a powerful new system, which they call “UQ Connect”, to use electrical connections to make qubits out of unity. Microchip quantum computing module to another with unprecedented speed and precision. This allows the pieces to fit together like a puzzle to create a more powerful quantum computer.
The University of Sussex and the Universal Quantum team managed to transmit qubits with a success rate of 99.999993% and a connection speed of 2424/s, both of which are world records and orders of magnitude greater than previous solutions.
Professor Winfried Hensinger, Professor of Quantum Technology at the University of Sussex and Scientist and Partner of Universal Quantum, said: “As quantum computers develop, we will eventually be limited by the size of a microchip, which prevents quantum computing bit by bit, such an explosion can be tolerated.
As such, we know that modular systems are key to making quantum computers powerful enough to solve ever-changing industrial problems. By showing that we can connect two quantum computing chips – like a puzzle – and, most importantly, that it works well, we open up the possibility of creating by connecting hundreds, but if not thousands, of quantum computing microchips.
When combining modules with world record speeds, scientists also believe that the “different” quantum nature of the qubit remains constant during the journey, for example, that the qubit can be both 0 and 1 n one time.
Dr Sebastian Weidt, CEO and Co-founder of Universal Quantum, and Senior Lecturer in Quantum Technology at the University of Sussex said: “Our goal has always been to give people tools that will help them change their field of work.
The team from Universal Quantum and the University of Sussex have done something truly amazing here to help make our vision a reality. These exciting results show the remarkable potential of the Universal Quantum Computer to be powerful enough to unlock many promising applications of quantum computing.
Universal Quantum has received 67 million euros from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to build two quantum computers where they will deploy this technology under contract. The University of Sussex has recently been named as one of the winners of the 2022 Institute of Physics award in the business start-up category.
“The DLR contract is probably one of the largest government contracts ever awarded to a single company,” Weidt added. It is a great support of our technology. Universal Quantum is currently working hard to incorporate this technology into our next commercial machine.
Dr Mariam Akhtar led the research while a researcher at the University of Sussex and a quantum consultant at Universal Quantum. He said: “The team demonstrated fast, reversible ion transport using quantum mechanics. This test supports the unique architecture developed by Universal Quantum, providing an exciting way to calculate large quantities.
Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, said: “It is fantastic to see that the inspired work of the University of Sussex and the world’s leading physicists has led to this breakthrough. amazing, bringing us closer to the perfect computer. . which will be of great social service. These computers are set to have limitless applications – from advancing drug development, to creating innovation, and perhaps even unlocking solutions to the climate crisis.
The University of Sussex is investing heavily in quantum computing to support our ambitious mission to maintain the world’s most powerful supercomputer and create a revolution that can impact many people around the world. With a team that spans a wide range of mathematics and technology research, the University of Sussex has both the breadth and depth of expertise in this area. We are still expanding our research and teaching in this area, with plans for new teaching programs and appointments.
Professor Keith Jones, Acting Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Sussex, said of the development: ‘This is an exciting discovery by our scientists from the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum. This shows the value and strength of the University of Sussex, whose work is based on rigorous, world-renowned research. Quantum computing will be essential to help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
We are delighted that Sussex scholars are carrying out research that offers the hope of seeing the positive potential of next-generation quantum technology in important areas such as sustainability, drug development and cyber security.
