Rigetti Computing, a pioneer in quantum-classical computing, has won a competition by Innovate UK to deliver a 24-qubit quantum computing system to the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). Based on Rigetti’s fourth-generation Ankaa-class architecture, the system will be used for testing, benchmarking, and exploratory application development. The system will be deployed at NQCC’s Harwell Campus, a landmark facility for quantum computing research in the UK. The system will feature Rigetti’s software development tools and control systems. Riverlane will also integrate its Quantum Error Correction Stack elements into the system.
Rigetti Computing to Develop 24-Qubit Quantum Computing System for National Quantum Computing Centre
Rigetti UK Limited, a subsidiary of Rigetti Computing, Inc., has been granted a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) by Innovate UK, funded by the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). The grant will facilitate the development and delivery of a 24-qubit quantum computer to the NQCC. The quantum computer will be based on Rigetti’s fourth-generation Ankaa™-class architecture and will be installed at the NQCC’s Harwell Campus, set to open in 2024. The campus will serve as a hub for quantum computing research in the UK.
The 24-qubit quantum computer will incorporate features of Rigetti’s recently launched 84-qubit Ankaa-2 system, including tunable couplers and a square lattice. These features enable faster gate times, higher fidelity, and greater connectivity compared to previous generations of Rigetti’s quantum processing units (QPUs). The Ankaa-2 system has achieved a 98% median 2-qubit fidelity, a 2.5x improvement in error performance compared to previous QPUs, and a 2-qubit gate time of 68 nanoseconds — the shortest gate time demonstrated by a Rigetti QPU.
Rigetti’s Software Development Tools and Control Systems
Rigetti’s software development tools for designing and running quantum programs will be deployed with the 24-qubit system. This will provide NQCC researchers with access to pyQuil to create and execute quantum computing algorithms, Quilc™ to compile and optimize algorithms, and Quil-T™ for pulse-level control. The 24-qubit system will also include Tsunamis™, Rigetti’s control systems. Tsunamis are cloud-ready and tuned for hybrid performance. The system will be made available over Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services (QCS™).
Collaboration with Riverlane for Quantum Error Correction
As part of the implementation, Riverlane plans to integrate elements of its Quantum Error Correction Stack, including a new generation of its quantum computer control system ‘Deltaflow.Control’, to execute the individual control and readout of Rigetti’s 24-qubit system. Riverlane also plans to develop and deliver a new software platform ‘Aqueduct’ designed to conduct the automation and efficient data management of complex, scalable quantum experiments.
NQCC’s Mission to Accelerate Quantum Computing Development
The NQCC aims to accelerate the development of the UK’s quantum computing capabilities and infrastructure. The organization recognizes the need for quantum developers to have access to the hardware to engineer scalable solutions for a full-stack quantum computer. Once built, these system-level prototypes will help the NQCC and its collaborators to understand the unique characteristics of different hardware approaches, establish appropriate metrics for each qubit architecture, and explore the types of applications that benefit most from each technological approach.
Availability of Rigetti’s Quantum Computer for Research
Once operational, the Rigetti quantum computer will be available to NQCC researchers for testing, benchmarking, and exploratory application development. This will provide valuable insights into the performance and potential applications of the 24-qubit quantum computer, contributing to the advancement of quantum computing research in the UK.
