2023-06-16 07:54:00
IBM has released its advances in research on quantum computing. In a study published in the scientific journal Nature on June 14, the technological giant revealed the first evidence that it is possible to perform calculations and obtain correct results on quantum computers with error correction algorithms.
Researchers from the company and from the University of California at Berkeley, in the United States, explain that they were able to use a quantum computer with a 127-qubit Eagle processor to obtain results identical to those provided by classic supercomputersindicating that the processed data suffered fewer errors.
Quantum computing, as its name suggests, technology uses the laws of quantum mechanics to theoretically perform calculations more efficiently than traditional computers in certain types of tasks. For this, quantum computers use a basic unit of information called a “qubit”.
Unlike the “bits” we are used to, the qubits can represent 1 and 0 (yes and no) at the same time, thanks to a phenomenon called “quantum superposition”, allowing calculations to be performed in parallel. Qubits can also be entangled, that is, vary according to the state of other qubits.
On the other hand, one of the challenges for quantum computing is the instability of qubits. These data are susceptible to errors due to their sensitivity to radiation, quantum noise and other factors that interfere with their expected operation. As a result, the computer may show different results when performing the same calculation multiple times.
IBM may have gotten around these difficulties by making improvements to quantum processors beyond 100 qubits. According to the company’s study, there were optimizations in coherence times — that is, the maintenance of quantum states that allow calculations to be carried out — and in the calibration of the superconductors that make up the system.
“We’re entering this phase of quantum computing that I call ‘utility,’ the era of utility,” said Jay Gambetta, vice president of IBM Quantum.
NVIDIA, for example, dedicating its quantum computing research to increasing efficiency in the production of jet engines. In partnership with Rolls-Royce and Classiq, the hardware giant provides its platform to design and simulate the world’s largest circuit in the segment, spanning 10 million layers deep with 39 qubits.
Quantum computing still little mastered
In addition to the challenges of making the results more accurate, experts are looking to optimize the futuristic technology for specific applications. That means quantum computers still don’t necessarily outperform traditional processing.
Over the past three years, the perception of quantum computing has changed significantly in the scientific community. This innovative method was seen as a great revolution that had an indisputable superiority over traditional computers; nowadays, it is talked about “quantum utility”, envisioning very specific uses for the technology.
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“The point of this work is that we can now use all 127 qubits of the Eagle processor to run a very large and deep circuit, and the numbers that come out are correct”, clarifies Kristan Temme, one of the members of the IBM research team, leading the working group on the theory of quantum algorithms.
In order to develop an error-free quantum computer, studies must continue over the next few years, until this innovative method of data processing is mature and complements the current technologies that we currently have available.
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