Building Quantum Computing Systems

Abstract:

Quantum computing - a completely new type of computation that behaves according to the laws of quantum physics - is developing at a rapid pace. Despite the continuous progress of CMOS microprocessors, including specialized accelerators for artificial intelligence applications, there are still many important and relevant mathematical problems that are unsolvable for classical computers. Quantum computers open up a new methodology of computing based on quantum bits and thus enable the solution of difficult and complex problems relevant to business and science.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the fundamentals and function of quantum computers, and breakthroughs have been made in advancing hardware and software technology, improving algorithms and developing relevant applications. We are developing this completely new computing system, the quantum computer, from the ground up. The state of the art is advancing extremely fast and performance measured in number of qubits, quality and speed is increasing rapidly so that, as recently demonstrated, quantum computing systems are starting to compete with high performance computers on relevant problems. Exciting times!

Heike Riel is IBM Fellow, Head of Science of Quantum and Information Technology and Lead of IBM Research Quantum Europe at IBM Research. She is responsible for leading the research agenda of the Science of Quantum and Information Technology department aiming to create scientific and technological breakthroughs in Quantum Computing, Physics of Artificial Intelligence, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Precision Diagnostics and Smart System Integration.