DARPA support Microsoft and PsiQuantum to make utility scale quantum computers. DARPA has selected Microsoft Corporation and PsiQuantum to move to the next phase of US2QC (Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing), which recently kicked off and is expected to run through March 2025.
“These researchers are working extraordinarily hard, presenting solid technology descriptions and detailed research plans,” Altepeter said. “We will continue exploring with them whether these technologies can make the significant leap needed to create quantum computers with true scientific and industrial utility.”
DARPA’s Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program seeks to determine whether an underexplored approach to quantum computing can achieve utility-scale operation – meaning its computational value exceeds its cost – faster than conventional predictions.
In the initial phase, each company presented a design concept describing their plans to create a utility-scale quantum computer. In the follow-on phase, selected performers aim to take their concepts to the next level. Now, US2QC’s key goal centers on developing and defending a system design for a fault-tolerant prototype, a smaller-scale quantum computer demonstrating that a utility-scale quantum computer can be constructed as designed and operated as intended.
The complexity of a fault-tolerant utility-scale quantum computer could approach or exceed that of a classical supercomputer. A verification and validation effort that demonstrates a utility-scale design is viable, all necessary components and sub-systems for the computer can be produced at the required specifications, and all components and sub-systems can be successfully integrated would likely be a difficult, multi-year process. The primary goal of the US2QC program is to determine if an underexplored approach to quantum computing is capable of achieving utility-scale operation much faster than conventional predictions. US2QC will accomplish this goal through rigorous, collaborative, flexible verification and validation performed in parallel with on-going research and development efforts.
It has been credibly hypothesized – but not proven – that quantum computers will have a transformative impact on a variety of scientific and technical disciplines. Two separate factors make the ultimate impact of quantum computing unclear. First, although a number of algorithms and applications for quantum computers have been suggested, in most cases a rigorous comparison to the best classical alternatives for real-world usage has not been completed. Second, it is unclear when or if a “utility-scale” quantum computer – one whose computational value exceeds its costs – can be built, particularly for applications that require fault-tolerance.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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