Rigetti Computing has been granted a $5.48 million award from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to advance its Alternating-Bias Assisted Annealing (ABAA) chip fabrication technology. The project, led by Rigetti and including Iowa State University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, University of Connecticut, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, aims to explore how ABAA reduces defects in superconducting qubits, a crucial step in improving quantum computing performance and scalability.
Rigetti Computing has been awarded a $5.48 million grant by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to advance its Alternating-Bias Assisted Annealing (ABAA) technology. Rigetti spearheaded this initiative, which involves a consortium of leading institutions, including Iowa State University, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, the University of Connecticut, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
The ABAA process involves applying alternating low-voltage pulses to the oxide barrier of Josephson junctions in <a href=”https://quantumzeitgeist.com/superconducting-qubits-improve-quantum-computing-with-on-chip-filters-enhancing-speed-and-coherence/”>superconducting qubits. This method allows for precise targeting of qubit frequencies before chip packaging, enhancing two-qubit gate fidelity and scalability compared to traditional techniques like laser trimming.
Rigetti’s research has shown that ABAA significantly reduces two-level systems (TLSs), defects that degrade qubit performance by causing energy loss or dephasing. By minimising TLSS, ABAA improves the reliability and efficiency of quantum computations.
Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti’s CEO, emphasized that this project aims to unlock ABAA’s full potential, providing deeper insights into superconducting qubit defects and facilitating the development of more robust, scalable quantum systems.
Additionally, Rigetti is participating in DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, which seeks to evaluate the feasibility of achieving utility-scale quantum computing by 2033. This involvement underscores Rigetti’s commitment to advancing quantum technology and maintaining leadership in the field.
Implications for Quantum Computing and Scalability
The development of Alternating-Bias Assisted Annealing (ABAA) technology by Rigetti Computing represents a significant advancement in quantum computing hardware. By reducing defects such as two-level systems (TLSs), ABAA improves qubit reliability and enhances the scalability of quantum systems. Reducing TLS-related errors is critical for maintaining coherence and computational fidelity, enabling more robust quantum operations.
A key advantage of ABAA over traditional methods like laser trimming is its ability to precisely target qubit frequencies before chip packaging. This precision contributes to higher gate fidelities, which are essential for executing complex quantum algorithms. As quantum systems grow in scale, minimizing errors at the hardware level becomes increasingly important to ensure reliable performance.
Rigetti’s collaboration with leading institutions underscores the potential for ABAA to address current limitations in quantum computing. By advancing this technology, Rigetti is contributing to the broader goal of achieving practical, large-scale quantum computation. The insights gained from this project will likely inform future developments in quantum hardware design and fabrication, furthering the field’s progress toward scalable, fault-tolerant systems.
The implications of ABAA extend beyond immediate performance improvements. By reducing defects and enhancing scalability, this technology supports the development of more powerful quantum processors capable of addressing a wider range of computational challenges. As Rigetti continues to refine ABAA, it remains at the forefront of quantum computing innovation, helping pave the way for next-generation quantum technologies.
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