China launches remote access quantum computer

Technology company Baidu on August 26 unveiled a quantum computer that can be accessed by PCs and smartphones.

This computer has only 10 qubits (units of quantum information), a relatively small number compared to advanced systems developed by top Chinese universities and Western companies such as Google and IBM. build. However, this is a pioneering step in bringing future technology out of the lab.

"We have already achieved outstanding performance of quantum computers, surpassing supercomputers in many specific problems. Further advances, such as programmable quantum computers, need coordination. collaborations from industry leaders and academic researchers," said Pan Jianwei, a leading quantum scientist at the University of Science and Technology of China.

Baidu's quantum computer - named Qianshi - can be accessed using an app provided by Baidu from Apple, Huawei or Xiaomi stores, allowing users to download the software and submit their own computation tasks. , such as quantum circuit experiments.

Baidu's newly launched Qianshi quantum computer. Photo: Baidu Quantum Computer Research Institute

Qianshi uses superconducting materials to create extremely low temperatures for the quantum processor, similar to the CPU in a traditional computer. Its superconducting refrigerator cools the QPU (graphics-related processor) to near absolute zero through a multistage cooling system. Therefore, the coherent quantum bit is not affected by thermal noise caused by high temperature.

"This is the world's first integrated solution for both hardware and software of quantum computing," said Duan Runyao, director of Baidu's Quantum Computing Institute. "The system can be accessed remotely by personal computers (PCs), phones and the Internet. While users can enjoy the convenience of the software framework provided by Baidu, they can choose a part. hard enough for your calculations".

Currently, in addition to the Qianshi QPU, two other separate microprocessors (chips) - from the Institute of Physics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Innovative Academy of Precision Measurement Science and Technology - are also combined. connected to the system.

"Integration, automation, and visualization are key technical features. This system helps standardize day-to-day operations and improves chip startup efficiency by at least 100 times for fundamental researchers. " added Duan.

Quantum computing expert Ji Zhengfeng at TsinghuaBaidu University hopes Baidu's device will advance Chinese studies in the academic world.

According to Duan, the industrial scale of global quantum computing will reach 800 billion yuan ($116 billion) by 2031, and most of the global large enterprises will adapt to quantum computing technology in the future. within a decade.

"In the future, when scientists use 100 qubits, the problems of AI and portfolio optimization can be solved. With 1,000 qubits, cryptographic security is possible. With 10,000 qubits, global weather forecasting and big data processing will become commonplace," Duan said.

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