Quantum computing engineers from UNSW Sydney and Diraq have reached a key milestone by unlocking the potential of quantum computers to operate at warmer temperatures.
In a study published in Nature, the engineers demonstrated the capability of their spin-based quantum processors to operate at temperatures 20 times warmer than previously demonstrated, while maintaining stability and high accuracy.
Jonathan Huang, lead author and phd student at UNSW and research associate at Diraq said this research makes it possible to run complex error correction routines required for fault-tolerant quantum computing, setting a path to realistic and useful quantum computers.
According to UNSW traditional silicon chips generate heat, a familiar issue when using electronic devices. Currently quantum computing systems require cooling to extremely low temperatures, very close to absolute zero (-273.15 °C).
This new research demonstrates high-accuracy spin-based quantum computation at temperatures above one Kelvin – or -272° C – a temperature compatible with the ability of conventional electronics to operate.
“This temperature increase, although difficult to grasp when compared to conventional temperature concepts, is actually groundbreaking in the realm of quantum computing,” said Huan.
UNSW scientia professor, chief executive officer and founder of Diraq Andrew Dzurak said, “While our quantum processors still require refrigeration, the costs and complexity of the overall system are dramatically reduced at these elevated temperatures.”
The Diraq team aims to combine the value propositions of current chip manufacturers, cloud computing companies, and software algorithm providers to unlock the full potential of quantum computing
“Harnessing the power of ‘hot qubits,’ these quantum computers will enable calculations far beyond the reach of supercomputers that exist today, enabling faster and more accurate predictions and analysis,” said Dzurak.
“This will also save costs and energy when running calculations to solve problems of global significance, generating significant economic outcomes.”
According to UNSW quantum computing is an industry projected to generate $450 to $850 billion in value creation by 2040.
The transformative applications of quantum computing are expected to impact pharmaceuticals, materials science, finance, logistics, weather forecasting, and efficient management of energy storage and distribution.