The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, RIKEN, Tokyo University of Science, and the University of Tokyo have developed a new method to generate optimal sequences for quantum computers. This method uses a probabilistic approach to reduce the time needed to search for the optimal sequence by several orders of magnitude. The technique was tested on the supercomputer Fugaku, confirming its efficiency. This development is expected to speed up quantum computer compilers, improve quantum computer performance, and contribute to the realization of the quantum internet. The findings were published in the American scientific journal “Physical Review A”.
Quantum Computing: A Leap Forward in Compiler Acceleration Technology
Quantum computing, a field that promises to revolutionize the way we process information, has taken a significant step forward with developing a new compilation method. This method, developed by a team of researchers from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), RIKEN, Tokyo University of Science, and the University of Tokyo, optimizes sequences to be executed on quantum computers.
The new method employs a probabilistic approach, significantly reducing the time required to search for the optimal sequence. This development is expected to enhance quantum information processing at quantum nodes, thereby supporting the quantum internet.
The Challenge of Quantum Computing
Quantum computers, currently under development, are expected to have a profound impact on society. They offer benefits such as reducing energy consumption, discovering new chemical substances for medical use, and accelerating the search for environmentally friendly materials. However, quantum computers face a significant challenge: the quantum state is extremely sensitive to noise, making it difficult to maintain it stably for a long time.
To perform a task, a quantum computer uses a compiler to convert instructions written in a programming language into a sequence of gate operations on quantum bits, or qubits. Previously, the researchers applied optimal control theory (GRAPE algorithm) to an exhaustive search to develop a method to identify the theoretically optimal gate sequence. However, as the number of qubits increases, the number of possible combinations also increases exponentially, making an exhaustive search impossible.
A Probabilistic Approach to Quantum Computing
To overcome this challenge, the researchers developed a method to search for the optimal quantum gate sequence using a probabilistic approach. Using the supercomputer Fugaku, they demonstrated that it is possible to search for the optimal quantum gate sequence for a given problem in a few hours using this new probabilistic random search method.
The researchers introduced a probabilistic method to develop a systematic method that can efficiently search for the optimal quantum gate sequence within the execution time and computational resources. This method is expected to speed up quantum computer compilers, become a useful tool for practical quantum computers, and lead to improved performance of quantum computer devices.
The Impact of the New Method on Quantum Computing
The new method is expected to have a significant impact on the field of quantum computing. It can be applied to optimize quantum information processing at quantum relay nodes, contributing to the realization of the quantum Internet and the reduction of environmental impact.
In the future, the research team plans to integrate the results obtained in this study with machine learning approaches and apply them to optimize the performance of quantum computers. This could further speed up quantum compilers and create a database of optimal quantum gate sequences.
The Role of Each Organization in the Research
The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology was responsible for the research concept, analysis using the GRAPE algorithm including the probabilistic approach, discussion on analysis of results and interpretation, and paper writing. RIKEN created and analyzed the program code for implementation of the supercomputer Fugaku, and also contributed to the discussion on analysis of results and interpretation, and paper refinement. Tokyo University of Science contributed to the concept and discussion of research, and paper refinement. The University of Tokyo was involved in the research concept, discussion on analysis of results and interpretation, and paper refinement.
The research was published in the American scientific journal “Physical Review A” on May 6, 2024.
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