Discover answers to the questions you may have on quantum computing, Pasqal, its technology, and many more.
Classical computers use bits to process information. These bits can only ever be in a position of 1 or 0. Quantum computing uses quantum bits, called “qubits” to process information through superposition and entanglement. These qubits can be in a position of both 1 and 0 and everything in between. This means they’re able to perform operations at a fraction of the speed it would take a classical computer.
A qubit is the basic unit of quantum information, existing in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition. It is important because it’s capable of inducing superposition, wherein the quantum data it carries adopts a state encompassing all potential qubit configurations. Groups of qubits in superposition can create the formation of intricate, multidimensional computational realms.
In quantum computing, noise refers to any unwanted or unintended disturbance or interference that affects the stability and reliability of quantum operations. Noise can arise from various sources and can manifest in different forms. Generally speaking, smaller-scale quantum operations create less noise, whereas larger operations will generally create more noise due to the larger processes and higher quantity of qubits required to perform the task.
Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum computing represents a developmental stage in quantum computing characterized by moderate-sized systems and operational noise. These systems typically feature tens to hundreds of qubits and are susceptible to noise created from errors stemming from factors like decoherence and imperfect qubit gates.
NISQ computers serve as a great means of exploring quantum algorithms, applications, and phenomena. Researchers use them to actively devise error correction methods to mitigate noise in NISQ systems and leverage their computational power for practical tasks.
NISQ computing is pivotal for advancements in quantum technologies, acting as a bridge between current classical computing capabilities and the future potential of fully fault-tolerant, large-scale quantum computers.
Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) is an approach to quantum computing aimed at building error-resistant quantum computers capable of handling noise and errors inherent in quantum systems, essential for large-scale, reliable quantum computation.
The key idea behind fault-tolerant quantum computing is to design quantum algorithms and quantum error correction codes that can detect and correct errors in quantum operations. This involves encoding quantum information redundantly across multiple qubits in such a way that errors can be detected and corrected without significantly affecting the overall computation.
Entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where the properties of two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle cannot be described independently of the state of the others, even when they are separated by vast distances.
This means that measuring the state of one particle instantaneously influences the state of the other(s), regardless of the distance between them. This concept challenges classical intuitions about locality and separability. It’s a central feature of the quantum world that distinguishes it from classical physics, and understanding entanglement helps deepen our comprehension of quantum mechanics.
Quantum computers exploit entanglement to perform certain calculations exponentially faster than classical computers by enabling the phenomenon of quantum teleportation, where the complete state of one particle can be transferred to another distant particle instantaneously, without physically moving the particle itself.
A cornerstone of quantum theory, with profound implications for both fundamental physics and practical applications in quantum technologies. Its study continues to be a vibrant area of research in quantum physics.
Logical and physical qubits both represent concepts in the field of quantum computing: a logical qubit is a stable, error-corrected representation of quantum information, built from multiple physical qubits. It’s different from physical qubits, which are susceptible to errors.
The main difference lies in their error properties and robustness. While physical qubits are prone to errors, logical qubits are designed to mitigate these errors through error correction techniques.
A logical qubit is a more abstract concept that represents a quantum bit of information that is protected against noise and errors, whereas a physical qubit refers to the actual physical implementation of a qubit in a quantum computing system.
Quantum error correction is a set of techniques used in quantum computing to mitigate the effects of errors that naturally occur due to noise and imperfections in quantum hardware. The aim is to protect quantum information from errors caused by decoherence, environmental noise, and imperfect operations on qubits.
Some of the main quantum error correction techniques include:
The ultimate goal of quantum error correction is to enable fault-tolerant quantum computation, where arbitrarily long quantum computations can be performed reliably despite the presence of noise and errors.
Cold atoms are atoms that have been cooled to temperatures near absolute zero, typically at absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius). At such low temperatures, the atoms slow down to nearly motionless speeds, allowing scientists to observe and manipulate their quantum mechanical properties more easily.
There are several methods to cool atoms to such low temperatures, including laser cooling techniques such as Doppler cooling and magneto-optical trapping (MOT), as well as evaporative cooling in magnetic traps.
Cold atoms can be used to explore fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics by simulating complex quantum systems that are difficult to study directly, this is thanks to the fact they serve as highly precise sensors due to their sensitivity to external fields and forces.
Cold atoms provide a versatile platform for exploring and harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics, with applications ranging from fundamental research to practical technologies.
