Quantum Computing: From Science to Application Dr. Andreas Fuhrer Quantum technology, IBM Research - Zurich
IBM Research - Zurich Established in 1956 Focus: science & technology, systems research, computer science Binnig & Rohrer Nanotechnology Center (BRNC, opened 2011) Proven track record in science & technology including 2 Nobel prizes, 9 ERC recepients IBM s advanced nanotechnology fabrication (collaboration with ETH, EMPA) and IBM s worldclass noise free labs Majority of researchers are Europeans (22 EU countries represented) Longstanding collaborations with universities, research organizations and industries in EU & WW 40 active EU projects, SNF, NCCR, KTI Investments in EU s research infrastructure and education Spin-off companies Successful start-up companies
Quantum Computing is a path to solve intractable problems Many problems in business and science are too complex for classical computing systems! Hard Problems for Classical Computing hard / intractable problems: (exponentially increasing resources with problem size) Algebraic Algorithms (e.g. factoring ) Combinatorial optimization (traveling salesman) Machine learning Simulating quantum mechanics Easy Problems 13 x 7 =? Possible with Quantum Computing 91 =? x? Materials & Drug discovery Machine Learning Searching Big Data
Industry Applications in Quantum Computing Chemistry, e.g. for catalyst design Security Machine Learning Materials Science Chemistry Big Data Optimization Weather Services Measurement Material Science, e.g. for energy efficient devices Life Sciences, e.g. for drug development Optimization, e.g. for cognitive computing and business processes Cryptography, e.g. for secure communication and information processing Education, e.g. to train engineers for the future quantum industry See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/list_of_companies_involved_in_quantum_computing_or_communication
Types of Quantum Computing time / complexity Quantum Advantage Demonstrate a special purpose application whose output cannot be simulated as fast using existing classical computers. 50-100 qubits Approximate quantum computer Demonstrate a useful application (quantum chemistry, optimization, ) with a quantum device which does not need full fault tolerance. 1K-5K qubits Universal fault-tolerant quantum computer Run useful quantum algorithms with exponential speed up over their classical counterparts. Requires error correction. 1M-5M qubits
Superconducting Qubit Architecture A Closer Look Superconducting Qubits (Fixed-Frequency Transmon) non-linear Josephson Junction (Inductance) anharmonic energy spectrum => qubit good coherence => T1, T2 ~ 70 µs Microwave Resonator as: read-out of qubit states multi-qubit quantum bus noise filter
Quantum Ecosystem Cryogenics and Control Electronics Device Simulation System Simulation Links between Quantum Systems Fabrication/3D Integration Superconducting Quantum Processor System design & Quantization can be engineered builds on existing technologies challenges in improving coherence, control complexity and scaling System Characterization Quantum Algorithms Control Software
IBM Quantum Experience Design, simulate and run quantum experiments in the cloud. Education & Ecosystem Quantum Computing at IBM IBM Research Frontiers Institute Explore first applications for QC as a member in a consortium with IBM. Develop Quantum Applications IBM Q First fully coherent 50+ qubit quantum computer commercially available in the next few years Access to Quantum Systems Mainstream Application
IBM Research - Zurich Control Software and Hardware MW Control electronics Cryogenics environment Benchmarking and tuneup of quantum gates Optimal control and error correction schemes IBM Quantum Experience Design, simulate and run quantum experiments in the cloud. Education & Ecosystem Quantum Computing at IBM Quantum Simulation Mapping of fermionic Hamiltonians onto qubits Quantum Simulation with few qubits Error mitigation for analog quantum sim. IBM Research Frontiers Institute Explore first applications for QC as a member in a consortium with IBM. Develop Quantum Applications Improved Coherence Quantum materials and relaxation mechanisms Surface loss and fluxnoise studies using UHV packaging MW package design IBM Q First fully coherent 50+ qubit quantum computer commercially available in the next few years Access to Quantum Systems Optimized Two - qubit gates MW activated XX,YY, ZZ interactions with a flux tunable coupler Geometric-phase gates Exploratory Mainstream Application
IBM Research - Zurich Control Software and Hardware MW Control electronics Cryogenics environment Benchmarking and tuneup of quantum gates Optimal control and error correction schemes IBM Quantum Experience Design, simulate and run quantum experiments in the cloud. Education & Ecosystem Quantum Links Coupling between quantum systems Optical <=> microwave Quantum Computing at IBM Quantum Simulation Mapping of fermionic Hamiltonians onto qubits Quantum Simulation with few qubits Error mitigation for analog quantum sim. IBM Research Frontiers Institute Explore first applications for QC as a member in a consortium with IBM. Develop Quantum Applications BEC BEC of exiton polaritons in a polymer at RT Quantum simulation Improved Coherence Quantum materials and relaxation mechanisms Surface loss and fluxnoise studies using UHV packaging MW package design IBM Q First fully coherent 50+ qubit quantum computer commercially available in the next few years Access to Quantum Systems CMOS qubits Silicon quantum dots Couple spin- and superconducting qubits Optimized Two - qubit gates MW activated XX,YY, ZZ interactions with a flux tunable coupler Geometric-phase gates Exploratory Mainstream Application
Exploratory Projects Quantum Links Links between quantum systems Optical <=> microwave Coupling using SAWs Conversion optical - microwave C L Photonic crystal cavity Challenges: material properties fabrication accuracy coupling efficiency BEC Analog quantum simulation BEC of exciton polaritons in a polymer at RT Create potential landscapes for the BEC with nanostructured mirrors SiO 2 Ta 2 O 5 MeLPPP 1µm 50 µm homogeneity of extended lattices strength of polaritonpolariton interactions CMOS qubits Long coherence, standard technology silicon quantum dots Couple spin- and superconducting qubits Standard finfet transistor technology TiN Si 200 nm TiN nm-scale fabrication long-range coupling 2-qubit fidelities
Outlook Our Goal: Build quantum computer that outperforms classical computers in relevant application fields Relevant fundamental science will be the enabler for technological breakthroughs Challenges: Scalability, control and coherence of large multi-qubit systems, cost Quantum Opportunity for Switzerland and Europe: Expertise: Strengthen scientific leadership in research and education. Attract & educate top talent. Innovation: Promote success of start-ups and technology providers for quantum systems Marketplace: Develop awareness of opportunities in a quantum marketplace For a European Quantum Ecosystem: Swiss & European policymakers need to create an environment that is attractive for all the stakeholders involved It is critical for Switzerland to play a significant role in a successful Quantum Technology Flagship