The world's first on-premises, room-temperature quantum computer
has just been installed in Pawsey's Supercomputing Research Centre, in Australia. Developed by Australian start-up
Quantum Brilliance, the quantum accelerator doesn't require any exotic cooling methods to maintain quantum coherence, and has even been developed for installation in a typical rack system. The new quantum accelerator will thus be taken for a spin in tandem with Pawsey's new, state-of-the-art Setonix, its
HPE Cray Ex supercomputer.
The room-temperature achievement was unlocked due to Quantum Brilliance's approach to quantum computing; instead of the more common
ion chains,
silicon quantum dots, or
superconducting transmon qubits, Quantum Brilliance took advantage of naturally-occurring nitrogen-vacancy centers in synthetic diamonds.
These vacancy centers amount to defects in the diamond's structure, which feature a photoluminescence capability that allows for the qubits' spin states to be read based on the emitted light's characteristics, without directly interacting with the qubits. A number of techniques, such as magnetic or electric fields, microwave radiation, or light can be used to directly manipulate the nitrogen-vacancy center's electron spin.
Andrew Horsley, CEO of Quantum Brilliance, painted the field trial as a significant step for the company on its journey to achieve a quantum technology that's smaller, compatible, more flexible, and ultimately able to operate in any environment.
“Our vision is to take quantum from mainframe to mainstream — running your mobile phone, your car, your work platforms, or anywhere close to the application where it is needed," said Horsley. "This collaboration is our first step toward achieving this goal.”
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