Tag Archives: FTQC

Quantum Algorithms

Quantum Algorithms Outlook 2022

In contrast to the hype, the early applications of quantum computers look modest. But they do exist. The talented teams developing quantum algorithms still have a fight on their hands to bring forward the date of true broad quantum advantage. What might be achieved and when?

Quantum Hardware

Quantum Hardware Outlook 2022

Big ticket investments have created a growing number of quantum unicorns. Chinese strides with photonic and superconducting qubits have grabbed attention. Trapped ions have shone with demonstrations of logical qubits. But who is winning the race to build a practical quantum computer?

Quantum Software Stack

Quantum Software Stack – a brief overview

Since the birth of modern computing, progress has been supported by the evolution of an evermore sophisticated layered approach to software. A wide variety of majors and startups are vying to secure their place in the quantum software sector. To understand their plans we have to ask both what is similar and what is different…

Quantum Hardware Stack

Quantum Hardware Platforms – a brief overview

To understand the ambitious roadmaps of quantum hardware players we have to start by understand the contrasting advantages and challenges of each of their technology platforms. As we seek to scale up these solutions, the specific flavour of the technology being employed becomes increasingly important. This overview is taken from a presentation originally delivered at…

Quantum Algorithms Outlook 2021

Quantum Algorithms Outlook 2021

Despite strong progress, demonstrating actual quantum advantage with early devices is still an elusive challenge. Expert opinion differs markedly on where and when initial value will come. Future large scale machines look great, but the overheads look daunting. With current error correction methods even a one million physical qubit machine may only be a modest…

Quantum Hardware Outlook 2021

Quantum Hardware Outlook 2021

China’s quantum supremacy demonstration may grab headlines, but not yet leadership in the quantum computing race. Leading hardware groups have firmed-up their development roadmaps for the marathon ahead and error correction has become a key part of the story. The challenge of scaling-up remains pre-eminent. A growing number of quantum majors, startups and institutes are…

Quantum hardware – into the quantum jungle

The quantum computing landscape has been transformed by a surge of commercial startups pursuing very different technical paths. Investors and pioneers must prepare themselves for a challenging journey ahead. A growing list of major, midsized and startup companies have joined the quantum computing quest. However today’s prototype devices must be radically scaled up before they…

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…

Quantum software – beneath the quantum hype

Commercial activity around quantum computing has risen to fever pitch over the last year. Many point to the traditional cycle of hype and consolidation in tech markets. Some have become quick to call ‘bullshit’ much of the activity at the current commercial frontier. Others predict a coming quantum winter. How can investors and early adopters…