What is a quantum processor and how does it work?
What is a quantum processor and how does it work? To help us answer this question, we will refer to the words of Tommaso Calacro, Director of the Centre for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology of the Universities of Ulm and Stuttgart. He explains that in traditional processors, information is encoded via the passage of many particles, while in quantum processors, each single electron transports a single piece of information so calculation capacity is increased considerably.
Furthermore, according to quantum mechanics, each particle is subject to the principle of juxtaposition and for can therefore be assume different states at the same time. This principle allows the on-off combination to be overcome, resulting in a significant increase in the amount of information conveyed. Considering that a quantum particle can take on various states, it is known as a quantum bit or qubit. Its function is to carry out numerous operations simultaneously.
According to Calacro however, we are still not yet sufficiently prepared to manage a quantum processor optimally: for now, we are only able to carry out specific procedures, but we are completely lacking an accurate overview of the whole. This is not only due to algorithmic issues, it is also a question of hardware. Therefore, it is essential that we proceed with research in order to fully exploit the potential of these systems.
In order to grasp just how complicated they are, suffice it to say that it can be hard to establish whether a PC is in fact quantum or not. For this reason, academics are continuing to carry out simulations to enable them (over time) to identify the true capabilities of one of these computers. Trials are often carried out on traditional personal computers, as in the case of IBM, who seem to have reached 56 qubits, thereby surpassing Google’s 49 qubits.
Of course, these results are still in an experimental phase, but their increased complexity derives from the fact that every simulation of qubits using traditional computers requires an extremely high calculation capacity. Until recently, the record was held by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, who managed to complete a simulation with 45 qubits. It should be noted that each single qubit increase requires (approximately) the doubling of memory available in the processor.
This is a brief overview of the meaning and functioning of a quantum processor: a useful summary, which allows us to better understand its true potential.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
