Envision an era where quantum computing enables us to cure diseases more quickly, secure global financial systems, and expand our knowledge of the universe. Pioneers such as IQM Quantum Computers in Finland are forging this reality, not just a far-off dream. In the process of developing a 150-qubit quantum computer by 2025, the company recently made major progress by successfully benchmarking its 20-qubit processor. Let us examine how this significant event not only heralds a victory for quantum computing but also paves the way for an exciting future full of unrealized possibilities.
The Transition to Quantum Physics
IQM’s 20-qubit quantum processor, a marvel of contemporary science and engineering, is at the center of its breakthrough. IQM’s Head of Engineering and Development, Dr. Juha Hassel, explains the processor’s amazing powers. The processor exhibits the balance of quality and scale that is necessary for quantum computing, with a maximum fidelity of 99.8% for a single pair and a median two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.51% across 30 qubit pairs. With a quantum volume (QV) of 32 and a Circuit Layer Operations Per Second (CLOPS) rate of 2600, the processor demonstrates the potential for scalability in addition to its impressive performance. Moreover, the creation of a 20-qubit GHZ state with fidelity larger than 0.5 indicates a substantial multiqubit entanglement, which is essential to quantum computing.
Creating New Standards
Not only did IQM’s 20-qubit processor have impressive technical specs, but it also performed well enough on the Max-Cut problem to earn an 11 on the Q-score, demonstrating the quality and functionality of the system. This accomplishment serves as both a guide for the future of quantum computing and a monument to IQM’s engineering prowess. IQM is demonstrating their technological choices and commitment to furthering this cutting-edge field by paving the way for prototype systems up to 150 qubits by utilizing the lessons learned from smaller systems.
Prospects and Difficulties Up Front
Although the accomplishments of IQM Quantum Computers are indisputable, there are many obstacles in the way of large-scale commercial quantum computing. Due to the novelty of quantum computing, scientists and engineers have to deal with issues that have never been encountered before, such as qubit stability and guaranteeing the scalability of quantum systems. But there are also a ton of incredible opportunities to match these challenges. The development of quantum computing has the potential to transform a number of sectors, including cryptography and pharmaceuticals, as well as to address some of the most important issues facing humanity today, including energy sustainability and climate change.
The work of organizations like IQM Quantum Computers, which demonstrate the amazing potential of quantum computing, serves as a reminder of the teamwork needed to bring this potential to fruition as we stand on the precipice of a quantum era. We are getting closer to a time when quantum computing will change the world in ways we can only begin to imagine as we continue to push the envelope of what is possible.