MIT delta v 2020: Making Quantum Computing More Accessible

‍

Author: Greg Wymer

by Chris Keshian, MIT delta v Program Manager

Quantum computing has massive implications, yet the current developer environment makes learning and collaboration difficult. qBraid, an MIT delta v startup, aims to increase accessibility to, and interoperability amongst, quantum computing resources.

‍

Why quantum computing?

Any user can log on to qBraid, deploy a quantum programming environment with their favorite languages, libraries, and tools, and start coding.

(skip this section if you already know!)

Quantum computing is the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena to generate and manipulate quantum bits, or qubits. Qubits can be subatomic particles such as electrons or photons, or sufficiently small structures such as superconducting loops on the nanometer scale.

Ordinary computers are made up of bits that exist in only one of two possible states (labelled 0 and 1), while qubits can occupy states which can be any kind of combination of 0 and 1 at the same time, an attribute called superposition. When measured, qubits will always return one of the classical states, with probability depending on how “close” the superposition is to either purely 0 or purely 1. Superpositions of states can also interfere either constructively, which make that outcome more likely, or destructively, which make that outcome less likely.

Furthermore, qubits can be generated in pairs of “entangled” qubits, meaning the pair exists in a single quantum state. This entangled nature means that changing the state of one qubit will instantaneously change the state of the other in a predictable way, even over long distances.

These two phenomena permit quantum computers to process information fundamentally more efficiently than ordinary computers with the same number of ordinary bits, resulting in the ability to solve computational problems at scales that are completely intractable otherwise. The degree of this advantage is dependent on the problem in question, and is truly revolutionary in scope.

Why is quantum computing important?

Quantum computing makes certain computationally prohibitive tasks actually possible, which will have massive implications across numerous industries:<p

• Security – Quantum computing can be used to break sophisticated encryption algorithms, such as RSA. As such, new encryption algorithms that want to be secure must be constructed with the capabilities of quantum computers in mind.
• Drug Discovery – With classical computers, researchers simply cannot simulate the billions of permutations and combinations of complex molecules to any degree of accuracy or scale. This means they spend countless millions of dollars and years realizing potential drug targets in the lab. With quantum computers, researchers would be able to effectively emulate the dynamics of even massive biomolecules directly, potentially skipping the manufacturing process entirely for early drug screenings.
• Materials Design – Similarly, in materials design, researchers are really interested in how molecules interact, i.e. which molecules combine in certain configurations that result in desirable physical properties. Quantum computers would make possible exact simulation of these properties, which could lead to the discovery of useful new materials such as those with higher tensile strength or solar panels with increased efficiency.

Where does qBraid fit in?

Currently, quantum algorithm development is siloed, meaning certain tools are not universally available and the code libraries are not connected. This makes collaboration and the ability to “stand on the shoulders of giants” difficult in this space, since developers cannot easily access and build on the work of others.

qBraid is building state-of-the-art tools in areas like quantum chemistry and cryptography, on a single cloud platform for writing quantum code that is inter-operable across quantum libraries and quantum hardware. The qBraid platform includes courses to train the next generation of quantum programmers and address an already evident shortage of quantum researchers and developers.

All of this lowers the barriers to entry for quantum developers, making it easier for engineers to go from zero experience to solving problems infeasible for the world’s best supercomputers.

How does qBraid work?

qBraid is an all-in-one platform, accessible on the cloud. This means it has no local installation or compatibility concerns. Any user can log on to qBraid, deploy a quantum programming environment with their favorite languages, libraries, and tools, and start coding.

The platform is education-focused, with learning modules for new and experienced quantum developers, and provides access to a comprehensive set of interoperable tools<

‍