Quantum design: Developing the supercomputers of the future

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 3, 2023

Insight summary

Since the 1970s, integrated computer circuits have developed rapidly, scaling from dozens to billions of electronic components. This progress was made possible partly by the invention of computer-aided design (CAD) software. Using CAD, engineers could calculate and simulate increasingly complex electronic circuits on existing computers. These experiments are now inspiring them to design next-generation processors with unlimited computing power, such as quantum computers.

Quantum design context

Among the most complex challenges facing the collective science and technology disciplines is the development of quantum computers. These supercomputers have tremendous parallel computing capability and the potential to exponentially speed up the performance of conventional computers in solving critical social and economic challenges such as cryptography, big data optimization, material design, and drug analysis. 

Superconducting quantum computing aims to increase the number of qubits (quantum bits) that can be integrated into processors to improve performance and process data much faster. A qubit is a unit of information in a quantum mechanical system. In classical computing, bits can have values of either zero or one. In contrast, qubits can have any value between zero and one due to the nature of quantum mechanics. This feature makes quantum devices highly versatile and efficient.

In May 2021, researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) designed a 62-qubit programmable superconducting quantum processor named after the fifth-century Chinese mathematician and astronomer Zu Chongzhi. This computer performed two-dimensional programmable quantum walks (used to develop algorithms) on the system. 

According to the researchers, the Zu Chongzhi can help streamline transportation planning by optimizing urban traffic flow. The computer also has the potential to be successfully integrated into the workflows of pharmaceutical companies by 2027. For instance, quantum devices can rapidly identify the most promising drug combination from all available drug molecule possibilities. 

Disruptive impact

Because of its game-changing potential, quantum design has become a focus of competition among countries and companies. In September 2021, USTC researchers used a quantum algorithm to design a more powerful qubit model called plasonium. This discovery is significant because complex computer chips require many simulations for optimization. Designing improvements on a quantum computer would speed up insights and progress in the field. Advancements in quantum design can lead to more efficient autonomous vehicles and robots, and other systems that require large amounts of computing power.

Then, in November 2022, IBM announced that it designed a groundbreaking 127-qubit quantum processor called Eagle. To achieve this breakthrough, IBM engineers incorporated a qubit arrangement design to decrease errors and the number of required components. With this machine, researchers can tackle issues at a higher level of intricacy when conducting experiments and running applications. Examples of such tasks are optimizing machine learning, and modeling new molecules and materials for use in sectors ranging from energy to drug discovery.

Implications of quantum design

Wider implications of quantum design may include: 

• Quantum technology being used to override encryption and complex cybersecurity measures, leaving information more vulnerable than ever. However, the same technology can engineer ultra-secure communication techniques.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) robots using quantum computers to access more accurate and complex training data that will tremendously improve their performance.
• Scientists gaining new tools to speed up the process of therapeutic discovery by employing quantum computing techniques to examine multiple molecules, proteins, and chemicals simultaneously.
• Quantum computers optimizing supply chains, fleet operations, air traffic control, and deliveries by reducing inefficient routes and wastage.
• Because supercomputers can analyze numerous data patterns at the same time, meteorologists will be able to anticipate more severe weather events and issue timely warnings.

Questions to consider

• How do you imagine quantum computers will revolutionize your work?
• What are the other benefits of highly efficient and intelligent supercomputers?