RIKEN is leading a project to connect quantum computers with the supercomputer Fugaku through the development of new software. This integration will amplify the abilities of both systems, as quantum computers leverage superposition to process information—potentially exceeding the capabilities of conventional computers. The project aims to address the increasing need for supercomputer control as quantum computers advance.
RIKEN’s JHPC-quantum Project Integrates Quantum & Supercomputers
The RIKEN JHPC-quantum project, launched in November 2023, is developing crucial system software to connect quantum and supercomputers. This five-year collaboration involves RIKEN, the University of Tokyo, Osaka University, and SoftBank Corporation, with the latter focusing on industrial applications. Currently, two quantum computers are being tested – the ion trap Reimei from Quantinuum and the superconducting IBM Quantum System Two (ibm_kobe) – to ensure software compatibility regardless of which technology ultimately prevails. Researchers are evaluating these systems with 12 user groups across science, medicine, and technology to optimize performance.
While current quantum computers possess over 100 qubits, the project anticipates a need for supercomputer control as qubit counts increase to 1,000 or 10,000. This integration is considered unique globally, aiming for a tightly-coupled system where supercomputers assist quantum computers, rather than simply assigning calculations.
Quantum Superposition & Limitations of Classical Computation
Quantum computers leverage a principle called superposition, allowing qubits to represent multiple states simultaneously—a stark contrast to conventional bits limited to 0 or 1. This capability enables quantum systems to process far more information than classical computers for certain tasks, potentially solving problems currently intractable due to computational complexity. However, even with recent advancements exceeding 100 qubits, these computers still depend on conventional systems for control and initial programming. The limitations of classical computation become apparent when dealing with scenarios exhibiting a “computational explosion,” where the number of possibilities grows exponentially.
For instance, evaluating just 20 binary options requires considering over one million combinations, a task demanding immense time from supercomputers. Quantum computers excel at these complex calculations involving numerous combined options, making them valuable for fields like materials science and drug discovery, but require conventional computers to function effectively as a combined system.
In the future, as quantum computers improve ten-fold or even a hundred-fold, control and communication will require much more help from supercomputer-level computing.
Mitsuhisa Sato
Reimei & IBM Quantum System Two: Diverse Hardware Testing
Reimei utilizes charged atoms manipulated by lasers, while the IBM system employs ultra-cold circuits allowing resistance-free electrical flow. Evaluating both technologies acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding which will ultimately dominate, ensuring software remains adaptable regardless of future advancements in qubit technology. These systems are undergoing evaluation with twelve user groups spanning scientific, medical, and technological fields, focusing on tightly integrated collaboration between quantum and supercomputing resources. Currently, leading quantum computers like IBM’s have surpassed 100 qubits, but effective operation at scale—potentially reaching 1,000 or even 10,000 qubits—requires the computational power of supercomputers to control and interpret results. This unique approach differs from other global efforts that typically assign specific calculations to quantum computers, rather than enabling direct programmatic connection.
Supercomputer Control Enables Expanding Quantum Capabilities
Supercomputer control is becoming increasingly vital as quantum computers grow in capability, currently exceeding 100 qubits. While quantum computers excel at specific, complex calculations—like those involving numerous combinations—they rely on conventional computers for instruction and operation, akin to a pianist playing a piano. Division Director Mitsuhisa Sato predicts that future quantum systems with 1,000 or even 10,000 qubits will necessitate supercomputer-level computing for effective control and communication. The RIKEN-led JHPC-quantum project focuses on developing system software to seamlessly link quantum and supercomputing resources.
Supercomputers currently struggle with “computational explosions” – problems where the number of possible solutions grows exponentially, such as evaluating 20 binary options requiring 1,000,000 computations; quantum computers offer a solution in these scenarios. This tight integration, unique globally, aims to delegate the most demanding calculations to quantum systems, boosting overall processing efficiency.
