The Paderborn Quantum Sampler (PaQS) designed by German researchers marks a significant milestone in the development of light-based quantum technologies.
Researchers at Paderborn University in Germany have developed the PAQs quantum computer as part of an initiative by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in partnership with private firms.
While the field of quantum computing technology is still in its infancy, scientists believe that with its ability to solve problems that are unsolvable on classic computers, the technology could help power innovation in a range of fields, from drug discovery and smarter encryption software to manufacturing and AI.
While scientists across the globe are researching quantum computing, developing robust systems is proving to be very challenging.
The reason for this is because quantum computers are extremely sensitive to system imperfections. As such, researchers are experimenting with different platforms to reduce these imperfections. Some examples of quantum computing platforms currently under investigation include superconducting qubits or trapped ions.
The approach the team at Paderborn University has taken is to use photonic quantum computers, which use photons or light particles to perform quantum calculations.
According to the research team, photonic quantum computers include a clear route towards scalability and high clock-rate operation.
Other advantages include that these computers can operate at room temperature and be implemented in miniaturised, programmable circuits.
However, the disadvantage of this approach is that it is prone to optical losses. To tackle this problem, the research team used the PaQs to create a Gaussian boson sampler – this is a device consisting of scalable components to help measure where photons exit the large photonic network. This has not been a straightforward process as it has never been done before.
Professor Christine Silberhorn, physicist and spokesperson for the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS) at Paderborn University, said: “This makes the process extremely complex. Gaussian boson sampling is a photonic quantum computing model that has gained attention as a platform for building quantum devices.”
Unlike previous implementations, the team built the PaQS with a forward-looking approach to system integration and full programmability.
Silberhorn said: “Specifically, this means that we are using a fully programmable and integrated interferometer with which we can implement any configuration we choose. With this approach, light particles are distributed and directed within a network of fibre optic cables – a little like the network of switches in a shunting yard. At the output of the network, the location where the photons emerge is measured.
“This can, for example, be relevant for solving protein folding problems or calculating certain molecular states as part of pharmaceutical research.”
Currently, the research team is expanding the system to enable more complex calculations and serve as the basis for investigating future devices that will further increase system integration.
In other quantum news, US firm IBM recently opened its first quantum data centre outside of the US near Stuttgart in Germany, enabling European companies and research institutes to access its quantum computing systems.
The September/October 2024 issue of E+T magazine also features an article on quantum computing that explores how far away quantum computers are from achieving their potential.
