Category Archives: Quantum Computers

Neutral atoms

Neutral atoms

Neutral atoms can be confined in 2D arrays and 3D lattice structures by laser tweezers. Because of this natural ability to mimic systems of interest, they have long been considered a leading platform for analogue quantum simulation. However recent progress in demonstrating long-range 2Q gates across such structures have drawn attention to their potential as…

Topological qubits

Topological qubits

We don’t worry about errors in conventional computing chips because the digital transistor has hardware error correction built in. That’s why transistors replaced valves, unlocking the digital revolution. The idea behind topological qubits is to repeat this trick. Topological qubit proponents often use the analogy of tying a knot in a piece of string. The…

dilution fridge

Control and measurement plane

As one of the first quantum platforms to start to significantly scale-up, superconducting qubit platforms have been first to face a series of control plane challenges. These are complicated by the need to work down to extreme cryogenic temperatures. Pioneers face challenges across cryogenics, control electronics and control software. Cryogenics The first challenge for many…

Impact of Quantum Technology on Industry Sectors

Qubit Dashboard

For the references supporting this data please see the accompanying SWOT analysis documents. Fact Based Insight gives precedence to: articles published in refereed journals, arXiv articles, conference presentations, personal correspondence. Note: IonQ recently announced 32Q device with expected high QV not yet included as no performance results yet reported. This data represents Fact Based Insights…

Quantum Hardware Outlook

Quantum Hardware Outlook 2020

2019 saw Google finally demonstrate quantum supremacy. Competitors such as IBM reminded us that this was just an opening skirmish in what will be a long campaign. In 2020 we will see paths divide as competing companies and technologies face-up to the quantum chasm blocking the way to large scale quantum computers. The hard road…

Quantum supremacy

Quantum supremacy – a new era?

Google claims quantum supremacy – the ability to perform a calculation beyond the reach of conventional computers. This is a landmark scientific, mathematical and technical achievement. But as many such as IBM point out we should all beware of hype. The road to general purpose quantum computing remains a long one. Google has published a…

Quantum Error Correction - from geek to superhero

Quantum error correction – from geek to superhero

Quantum computers can only realise their full potential by defeating the noise that plagues their delicate qubits. The field of quantum error correction offers some increasingly mature solutions. But it is also still a rapidly evolving discipline, and innovation here, as much as in hardware, will shape the future quantum computing roadmap. If 50-70 qubits are…

Introduction to Fault Tolerant Quantum Computation

Introduction to fault tolerant quantum computation

Right from the conception of quantum computers it was realised that controlling the build-up of errors in quantum computations is a key problem. Theoretical progress over the last 25 years has led to the development of techniques ready to meet this challenge. This introduction is for readers interested in the terminology of quantum error correcting…

Quantum Software - over-hyped but underestimated

Quantum software – over-hyped but underestimated

The advantages a quantum computer can offer depend on the quantum algorithms it can run and also how easily we can get data in and out of the system. Today’s hardware is still well short of the universal quantum dream and, in truth, the most often discussed benefits are still many years away. However the…

Quantum Europe

Europe’s drive to create wealth from Quantum Technology

The focus of the EU’s €1b Quantum Flagship programme is not basic science, nor is it simply about bringing new technologies to market. The end-goal is driving wealth creation, jobs and societal benefits in Europe. This requires kick-starting the competitive position of European industry in this sector and making Europe the region of choice for…