From: mk_thisisit
Jakub Rożek, a physicist with a doctorate from Oxford University, is creating quantum computers at IQM in Helsinki, Finland [00:00:00]. IQM is currently the largest private company in Europe dedicated to building quantum computers [00:01:11].
How Quantum Computers Work
Unlike classical computers that operate on bits (zeros or ones), quantum computers operate on “qubits” (quantum bits) [00:05:23]. A classical bit exists as either a 0 or a 1 at any given moment, but a qubit can exist in any state between 0 and 1, allowing for many more possible states [00:05:39].
Furthermore, the state of multiple qubits (e.g., two, three, or four) cannot be fully described by examining each qubit separately [00:05:57]. This means the collective “whole is greater than the sum of its parts” [00:06:17]. This unique interaction is known as quantum entanglement [00:07:38]. The difficulty in describing or simulating quantum computers on classical machines stems from this quantum entanglement and the concept that the whole is more than the sum of its parts [00:07:50].
Quantum mechanics dictates that matter cannot move at any speed in closed systems, but only at specific, allowed speeds, from which the term “quantum” derives [00:10:09]. In a quantum computer, the aim is to cool the system down to such low temperatures that only one or two allowed energy levels remain [00:10:44]. Ideally, only one state should remain, allowing engineers to transition it to another desired state by sending microwave signals [00:11:12].
Superconducting Qubits
IQM specifically focuses on superconducting qubits [00:08:38]. These are very small current loops where the current can flow for extended periods due to the phenomenon of superconductivity, meaning there is no resistance [00:08:45]. When such a qubit is cooled to temperatures very close to absolute zero (around 120 millikelvin, relative to absolute zero), it begins to behave quantumly [00:09:04]. The extreme cold slows down particles, making quantum effects more apparent [00:09:24].
Current State and Challenges
IQM is currently working on a 150-qubit quantum computer, which is a step towards a universal quantum computer [00:01:25]. A universal quantum computer will be capable of executing any quantum algorithm with an arbitrarily small error rate [00:02:08]. Current limitations for executing quantum algorithms are primarily due to errors and noise [00:02:23].
Quantum Error Correction
A significant breakthrough in 2023 was the confirmation from Google that quantum error correction truly works [00:20:21]. Google demonstrated the creation of a “logical qubit” that lives longer than any physical qubit, exponentially reducing errors [00:20:29]. This means the theoretical predictions for quantum error correction are experimentally confirmed, indicating that large quantum systems can be managed without succumbing to thermodynamic behavior [00:20:45]. This progress is beneficial for the entire quantum industry [00:22:44].
Engineering Limitations
The primary limitations for scaling quantum computers are currently engineering challenges, particularly related to cabling [00:13:44]. Each qubit requires its own control mechanisms, currently about two cables per qubit [00:13:55]. To achieve a million qubits, current methods would necessitate a million cables, which is impractical [00:14:04].
Solutions being explored include:
- Creating multi-chip quantum computers where several chips are connected [00:14:27].
- Ensuring data transfer between chips remains quantum and that chips become entangled [00:14:34].
- Developing new engineering methods for internal cable routing [00:14:48].
Applications of Quantum Computing
Simulating Nature and Chemistry
One of the greatest motivations for working on quantum computers is the ability to simulate nature, especially chemistry and its applications in medicine and pharmacology [00:02:34]. All chemical phenomena, such as photosynthesis or drug interactions in the body, are inherently quantum [00:03:10]. While classically described, quantum computers will allow for a much better understanding of these processes and faster creation of new drugs [00:03:33].
Cosmology and Space-Time
There is research on simulating cosmology on a quantum computer to understand the fabric of space-time [00:04:11]. This could potentially necessitate revising the concept of time [00:04:30].
Quantum Machine Learning
Quantum machine learning combines quantum computers with standard machine learning techniques [00:23:21]. This field is particularly promising for applications where classical data is processed by a quantum computer to solve optimization problems or accelerate mathematical computations [00:24:12].
The Future of Quantum Computing
IQM’s roadmap aims to develop a million-qubit quantum computer by 2033 [00:11:46]. This will not mean a million physical qubits directly, but rather a number of “logical qubits” achieved through quantum error correction, allowing calculations to be performed essentially without errors [00:12:05].
Quantum Cloud
Quantum computers are unlikely to be consumer products for individual homes [00:19:29]. Instead, they will likely be accessed through a “quantum cloud,” where users connect via the internet to quantum computers located in supercomputer centers [00:25:24]. Current customers are mainly research centers [00:25:43].
Quantum Internet
While a “quantum internet” is a concept being discussed, it is likely that the current classical internet will suffice for communicating with quantum computers [00:27:17]. Every quantum computer relies on a large classical computer for control and processing [00:27:23].
However, a distinct concept of a quantum internet involves networks that transmit quantum entangled photons [00:28:04]. Such networks are already being developed in places like England, where fiber optic cables transmit entangled photons [00:27:58]. This is a difficult engineering challenge because signal amplifiers, common in classical networks, destroy quantum information [00:28:31]. Europe is particularly strong in this area of research [00:28:48].
Security and Cryptography
The development of powerful quantum computers raises concerns about the security of current banking and security systems, particularly the RSA codes used for encryption [00:32:17]. While the Shor’s algorithm on a quantum computer can break these codes by factoring large numbers into primes [00:32:40], new cryptographic algorithms that are less susceptible to quantum attacks have been under development for 20 years [00:33:01]. Banks should implement these new algorithms to prepare for the future [00:33:20]. Additionally, quantum cryptography exists, such as the quantum key distribution process based on quantum entanglement [00:33:58].
IQM and the Future of Quantum Computing
Jakub Rożek joined IQM because he believes it is one of the most promising companies in the field and that quantum computers can change the world [00:29:07]. His team is responsible for calibration, control, and quantum gates, dealing with the quantum computer from the moment the chip is cooled and cabled until it is ready for use [00:29:34]. This includes creating new, better quantum gates and reducing noise [00:30:05].
IQM produces many prototypes for research, with about 20 quantum computers having been sent out [00:16:32]. A 5-qubit quantum computer currently costs about 1 million euros [00:17:45]. These are prototypes, and while prices for larger systems will vary, a million-qubit quantum computer in the future is still expected to cost in the millions, not billions [00:18:16]. The development of quantum computing is seen as a business that needs to be profitable, with ongoing engineering challenges related to cooling systems and cabling contributing to the cost [00:19:50]. IQM is also collaborating with institutions like Gdańsk University of Technology on projects to connect quantum computers with supercomputers [00:30:48].