D-Wave Explores Large-Scale Gate-Based Quantum Computing

D-Wave Systems, a trailblazer in quantum technology, is leveraging its annealing quantum computer to revolutionize the design and construction of large fault-tolerant gate-based systems. Trevor Lanting, the Chief Development Officer at D-Wave, recently shared insights with Nick Flaherty about the company's future plans, highlighting the utilization of existing quantum computers to shape the next generation of machines.

At the forefront of quantum innovation, D-Wave boasts a superconducting quantum computer system with 5000 qubits dedicated to handling annealing algorithms. This cutting-edge system is constructed using an array of minuscule metal loops containing superconducting Josephson junctions, with the challenge lying in connecting these loops through couplers.

"The Vantage, our fifth-generation annealing quantum computer, features 15-way connectivity and 40,000 couplers," Lanting revealed in an interview with eeNews Europe. "We have pushed the boundaries by achieving temperatures below 10-20mK to minimize thermal fluctuations and perturbations."

Two years ago, D-Wave embarked on a fresh exploration of commercial pathways for gate-based quantum systems, focusing on integrating error correction codes with advancements in cryogenics. This strategic approach aims to pave the way for the successful development of error-corrected gate-based systems, which demand thousands of physical qubits to support a few logical qubits.

Unlike the current Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) systems, D-Wave's vision revolves around establishing a fault-tolerant topology with built-in error correction from the outset. Lanting emphasized, "To achieve true quantum utility, a fault-tolerant approach is essential, and this forms a critical component for the success of gate models, which impose more stringent control requirements on qubits compared to annealing."