From: mk_thisisit
The development of universal quantum computers is a significant area of research and engineering, with the potential to revolutionize the world [00:00:15]. Leading this development of quantum computers at IQM is Jakub Rożek, who defended his doctorate at Oxford University before moving to Helsinki to contribute to Europe’s largest quantum computer company [00:00:00], [00:01:11].
Defining a Universal Quantum Computer
A “universal quantum computer” is defined as a computer capable of executing any quantum algorithm with an arbitrarily small error rate [00:02:08], [00:02:21]. The current limitation in executing quantum algorithms is noise, or error [00:02:23], [00:02:26].
How Quantum Computers Work
Unlike classical computers that operate on bits (zeros and ones) [00:05:19], quantum computers operate on qubits (quantum bits) [00:05:29]. A key distinction is that a classical bit can only be 0 or 1 at a given moment, whereas a qubit can exist in any state between 0 and 1, allowing for many more different states [00:05:39], [00:05:51].
A crucial concept in quantum theory and computing is quantum entanglement [00:00:45], [00:07:38]. The state of multiple entangled qubits cannot be described by looking at each one separately; the “whole is greater than the sum of the parts” [00:06:00], [00:06:17], [00:07:46]. This phenomenon is a primary difficulty in describing or simulating quantum computers on classical systems [00:07:50], [00:08:07].
Current Development and Technology
IQM is currently working on a 150-qubit quantum computer, which is being calibrated and measured in a freezer [00:00:19], [00:01:25], [00:01:32]. This represents a step towards a universal quantum computer and the next evolution of their chip [00:01:53], [00:02:00].
Various quantum computing technologies exist to achieve the necessary quantum “dance” [00:08:22]. While cold atoms are one important direction [00:08:27], IQM focuses on superconducting qubits [00:08:41]. These are very small loops with current that flow for extended periods due to superconductivity, meaning no resistance [00:08:47]. When cooled to temperatures very close to absolute zero (around 120 millikelvin above absolute zero) [00:09:15], these loops begin to behave quantumly [00:09:12]. The low temperature slows down particle movement, revealing quantum effects where matter cannot move at any speed but only at specific, allowed speeds [00:09:27], [00:10:11]. The goal is to reach a state with only one or two allowed energy levels for the qubit to function correctly [00:10:59], [00:11:07].
Applications and Capabilities
Simulating Nature and Discovering New Materials
One of the greatest motivations for developing quantum computers is to simulate nature, particularly in chemistry, medicine, and pharmacology [00:02:34], [00:02:57]. Chemical phenomena, such as photosynthesis, are inherently quantum [00:02:47], [00:03:10], [00:03:30]. While classically describable, quantum computers will allow for a much better understanding of these processes and enable faster creation of new drugs and other materials [00:03:33], [00:03:47].
Simulating Cosmology
Research is also being conducted on simulating cosmology on a quantum computer to understand the fabric of space-time [00:00:32], [00:04:13]. This could potentially require revising the concept of time [00:04:00].
Quantum Error Correction
A significant breakthrough in quantum computer development is the achievement of quantum error correction [00:20:26]. This process involves using multiple physical qubits to form a “logical qubit,” exponentially reducing errors [00:13:02], [00:13:10], [00:13:12]. Google demonstrated that a logical qubit could live longer than any physical qubit, confirming that quantum error correction works as predicted by theorists [00:20:29], [00:20:42]. This demonstration was considered a revolution in the field [00:21:21].
Quantum Machine Learning
Quantum machine learning combines quantum computers with standard machine learning techniques [00:23:24]. While some forms involve teaching classical computers with quantum data, the most compelling applications require a quantum computer to work on either classical or quantum data [00:24:04], [00:24:10]. This area holds promise for solving optimization problems and accelerating mathematical computations [00:24:29].
Future Outlook and Challenges
Roadmap to a Million Qubits
IQM’s roadmap aims to create a million-qubit quantum computer by 2033 [00:11:49], [00:13:18]. This will involve logical qubits, meaning calculations will be performed almost without errors [00:13:23], [00:13:30].
Engineering Challenges
The main limitations are currently engineering challenges [00:13:44]. Each qubit requires its own steering and cables, with current systems needing about two cables per qubit [00:13:55], [00:14:02]. To scale to a million qubits, new solutions are needed, such as connecting multiple chips and maintaining quantum data transfer between them [00:14:11], [00:14:27], [00:14:34].
The physical appearance of quantum computers, often golden and housed in large cryogenic systems, is due to the need to limit warming and transmission losses [00:15:16], [00:15:41], [00:16:13]. The actual quantum computer chip is very small, located at the bottom of the cooling system [00:15:31], [00:15:36].
Cost and Accessibility
Currently, a 5-qubit quantum computer can cost around a million euros [00:17:45]. The price is not expected to fall to a point where individuals can own one [00:19:20], [00:19:29]. Instead, quantum computers will likely be located in supercomputer centers and accessed remotely via a “quantum cloud” or the internet [00:19:50], [00:25:00], [00:26:03]. This model is analogous to how modern users interact with server infrastructures [00:26:21], [00:26:41].
Security Implications
The development of quantum computers, particularly the ability to perform Shor’s algorithm, poses a threat to current RSA cryptographic codes, which rely on the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers [00:32:38], [00:32:52]. However, new quantum-resistant coding algorithms have been in development for 20 years [00:33:01]. Additionally, quantum cryptography, such as quantum key distribution based on quantum entanglement, offers secure communication methods [00:33:58], [00:34:10], [00:34:16].
Quantum Internet
While a “quantum internet” is a concept under discussion, classical internet is likely sufficient to interface with quantum computers [00:26:57], [00:27:17]. Every quantum computer relies on a large classical computer for control and operation [00:27:23]. However, research into quantum networks, such as fiber optic networks sending entangled photons, is ongoing in Europe [00:27:53]. This is a difficult engineering problem due to the need to maintain entanglement across the network [00:28:20], [00:28:31].