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Quantinuum Demonstrates Quantum Scaling BreakthroughQuantinuum Demonstrates Quantum Scaling Breakthrough

New approach to the “wiring problem” may offer a path to commercially viable quantum computers

Berenice Baker, Editor, Enter Quantum, co-editor AI Business

March 8, 2024

2 Min Read
Quantinuum's H2 processor.
Quantinuum's H2 processor. Quantinuum

Quantinuum researchers have demonstrated a new approach that solves two critical roadblocks that hinder the development of large-scale quantum computers. These are known as the wiring problem and the sorting problem.

Quantum computers need more error-corrected qubits to be able to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems in fields including sustainability, drug discovery and material science. However, simply adding more qubits does not make them more powerful, they need to be efficiently integrated.

The wiring problem in quantum computing comes about because each qubit needs its own set of individual control signals, sometimes up to 20. This is not scalable to large numbers of qubits as a quantum computer with a million qubits would need 20 million wires, which would be physically impossible.

The sorting problem does not apply to all quantum computing paradigms, but some are most efficient when they offer all-to-all connectivity which means the qubits need to be able to move.

Quantinuum's approach uses a combination of a fixed number of analog signals and a single digital input per qubit, significantly minimizing the required control complexity. This method, coupled with a uniquely designed 2D trap chip, enables efficient qubit movement and interaction and offers a potential path to scalability, minimizing the control complexity also simplifies the interface between quantum and classical systems, accelerating the development of hybrid quantum algorithms and facilitating faster access for real-world applications. 

Related:AI-powered Technique Could Help Quantum Computers Scale

“This is a significant milestone not only for Quantinuum but for the entire quantum industry, propelling us into an era of widespread quantum commercialization,” said Quantinuum chief commercial officer Nash Palaniswamy.

"Our team's groundbreaking work paves the way for building larger and more powerful quantum computers, enabling businesses to harness the transformative power of this technology and unlock real-world solutions across various sectors.” 

Quantinuum intends to incorporate its findings in the development of its next H-series quantum computer, the upcoming H3 model.

About the Author

Berenice Baker

Editor, Enter Quantum, co-editor AI Business, Informa TechTarget

Berenice is the editor of Enter Quantum and co-editor of AI Business. She has over 20 years of experience as a technology journalist, having previously worked at The Engineer and Global Defence Technology.

Before that, she worked as an IT consultant, fuelling her passion for technology and innovation. She graduated with one of the country's first-ever IT degrees so long ago it coincided with Tim Berners-Lee inventing the World Wide Web.

Berenice lives in north London with her cat Huxley. In her spare time, she enjoys going to music gigs, museums and galleries, dabbling in art and playing guitar (badly).

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