A breakthrough in quantum computing has been achieved by researchers from the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum. The scientists have demonstrated that quantum bits (qubits) can transfer directly between quantum computer microchips, using electric field links to enable qubits to move from one microchip module to another with unprecedented speed and precision. This technique, dubbed ‘UQ Connect,’ allows chips to connect together like a jigsaw puzzle to create a more powerful quantum computer.
Quantum computers are currently limited to 100 qubits, and millions of qubits are required to solve complex problems that are out of reach for today's most powerful supercomputers. This breakthrough technology could unlock the potential to scale up quantum computers by connecting hundreds or even thousands of quantum computing microchips, making them powerful enough to tackle important societal challenges ranging from drug discovery to solving problems in aeronautics and finance.
The team was successful in transporting the qubits with a 99.999993% success rate and a connection rate of 2424/s, both of which are world records and orders of magnitude better than previous solutions. While linking the modules at world-record speed, the scientists also verified that the 'strange' quantum nature of the qubit remains untouched during transport, for example, that the qubit can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.
Dr Sebastian Weidt, CEO and Co-founder of Universal Quantum, and Senior Lecturer in Quantum Technologies at the University of Sussex, said that their focus is on providing people with a tool that will enable them to revolutionize their field of work. The researchers have done something truly incredible that will help make their vision a reality. These exciting results show the remarkable potential of Universal Quantum's quantum computers to become powerful enough to unlock the many life-changing applications of quantum computing.
Universal Quantum has been awarded €67 million from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to build two quantum computers, where they will deploy this technology as part of the contract. The University of Sussex spin-out was also recently named one of the 2022 Institute of Physics award winners in the Business Start-up category. The company is working hard to deploy this technology in their upcoming commercial machines.
In conclusion, the breakthrough in quantum computing achieved by the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum is a significant step towards a quantum computer that will be of real societal use. Quantum computers are set to have boundless applications – from improving the development of medicines, creating new materials, to maybe even unlocking solutions to the climate crisis. The University of Sussex is investing significantly in quantum computing to support their bold ambition to host the world's most powerful quantum computers and create change that has the potential to positively impact so many people across the world. With teams spanning the spectrum of quantum computing and technology research, the University of Sussex has both a breadth and a depth of expertise in this area.
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