IQM Quantum Computers has developed a commercially available on-site quantum computer, the IQM Spark prototype, which uses superconducting technology. This system is designed to provide low-barrier access to both its hardware and software components, making it suitable for educational and research purposes. The system can be used to teach quantum concepts, deepen understanding of quantum theory and quantum computing, and replicate recent research achievements. The hardware includes a superconducting quantum processing unit, a dilution refrigerator, and control electronics. The software allows for direct manipulation of the qubits or running small scale quantum algorithms.
Introduction to On-Site Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a rapidly evolving field that promises to revolutionize the way we solve complex problems. This technology is expected to efficiently tackle problems that are currently challenging for classical computers in terms of computational time and hardware resources. The term “quantum advantage” is used to describe the algorithmic speed-up that quantum hardware can provide. Several quantum algorithms have been developed to demonstrate this advantage, such as prime number factorization of large integers and simulating the chemical and physical properties of molecules. However, most of these algorithms assume an error-free quantum hardware with a number of quantum bits or qubits beyond the reach of current technology.
The Era of Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) Computers
Despite the absence of error-correction, noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers are believed to exhibit quantum advantage over classical high-performance computers (HPC) in the range of 100 to 1000 qubits, depending on the quality of the quantum hardware and the connectivity between the qubits. Among many physical platforms, superconducting quantum hardware is well-suited for scaling the number of qubits and improving their fidelity while maintaining connectivity. This makes it a preferred technology in the NISQ era with roadmaps towards fault tolerance.
The IQM Spark Prototype: A 5-Qubit Superconducting Quantum Computer
The IQM Spark prototype is a 5-qubit superconducting quantum computer designed to enable low-barrier access to both its hardware and software components. The hardware is self-contained with a packaged superconducting quantum processing unit (QPU), a dilution refrigerator, control electronics, while the software components allow for both a direct manipulation of the qubits by microwave pulses or to run small scale quantum algorithms composed of quantum gates. This system can be harnessed for a range of educational activities from teaching the concepts of superconducting quantum hardware to developing an understanding of quantum error mitigation and performing experiments from different fields of research.
Educational Applications of Quantum Computing
The IQM Spark prototype can be used for a variety of educational purposes. These include calibration, benchmarking, visualization of pulses with an oscilloscope, error mitigation, and execution of simple quantum algorithms. These applications provide a hands-on approach to understanding the concepts of superconducting quantum hardware and quantum error mitigation.
Research Applications of Quantum Computing
In addition to its educational applications, the IQM Spark prototype can also be used to reproduce some research results which appeared recently in scientific journals. These include the simulation of neutrino oscillation, estimation of Jones polynomials, and an introduction into embedding techniques for quantum chemistry. These applications demonstrate the potential of quantum computing in advancing scientific research. See more from https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.07315
