Xanadu, a pioneering company in the field of quantum computing, has recently unveiled its latest innovation, Aurora, a modular quantum computer designed to reshape the landscape of computational technology. The details of this development were published last week in Nature, where the CEO and founder of Xanadu, Christian Weedbrook, elucidated that the system is composed of four similar units housed in a standard server rack. Each rack stands slightly taller and wider than an average human, and to realise a fully functional quantum computer, these units must be duplicated and interconnected. “You copy and paste a thousand of these things and network them together,” Weedbrook stated.
Xanadu envisions transforming quantum computing into a specialised data centre, which would align with rows of these servers, diverging from the traditional model that centres around a specialised chip within a supercomputer, akin to a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Currently, Aurora's implementation utilises a combination of 35 chips to achieve a total of 12 quantum bits, or qubits. In contrast, Google's quantum computer, Willow, boasts 105 qubits, and IBM’s Condor has 1,121 qubits, indicating a significant gap in operational capacity.
Devesh Tiwari, a quantum computing researcher at Northeastern University, offered an analogy to contextualise Xanadu’s achievement in relation to industry standards by comparing the progress to constructing a hotel. “They have built a room, and I’m sure they can build multiple rooms,” he remarked. “But I don’t know if they can build it floor by floor.” Despite the perceived limitations posed by the relatively few qubits, Tiwari noted that it does not denote a lag in technology; rather, he suggested that the number of qubits is more indicative of the level of investment than the inherent promise of photonic quantum computing.
The advantages of photonic quantum computers extend beyond mere numbers. Tiwari highlighted that their qubits are inherently less susceptible to environmental noise, which can lead to better information retention. Additionally, the integration of photonic quantum computers with traditional fibre optics offers a simpler pathway for networking, creating opportunities for a future “quantum internet,” where various quantum devices can communicate efficiently. Aurora's servers boast the ability to operate at room temperature, simplifying operational logistics compared to superconducting quantum computers, which necessitate extensive cryogenic technology. However, it is worth noting that photon-counting detectors still require cryogenic cooling, necessitating a separate room for their operation.
Xanadu is not alone in its pursuit of photonic quantum computers; other competitors in this arena include PsiQuantum based in the United States and Quandela located in France. Alternatively, several research groups are exploring other materials like neutral atoms and ions as potential mediums for constructing quantum systems, indicating a diverse and robust landscape in quantum computing research and development.
Source: Noah Wire Services