NVIDIA launches NVQLink for hybrid quantum supercomputers

NVIDIA has recently unveiled NVQLink, a cutting-edge high-speed interconnect specifically designed to tightly integrate GPU-based supercomputing systems with emerging quantum processors. This innovative open system architecture, developed in collaboration with major U.S. national labs, is poised to facilitate large-scale quantum computing research and applications. The introduction of NVQLink addresses a critical bottleneck in quantum computing scalability by providing fast, low-latency control and error correction capabilities, which will undoubtedly capture the interest of eeNews Europe readers engaged in HPC, semiconductor R&D, and quantum system integration.

One of the key highlights of NVQLink is its support for hybrid supercomputing for quantum research, as it directly links quantum processing units (QPUs) to GPU-driven supercomputers, accommodating various quantum hardware architectures. The development of this interconnect involved collaboration among esteemed research institutions such as Brookhaven, Fermilab, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and others. NVQLink is designed to execute quantum control algorithms, including crucial quantum error correction processes, through high-throughput, low-latency channels to ensure the stability of qubits, which are inherently error-prone and require real-time correction for practical quantum computing applications.

According to Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of NVIDIA, the integration of quantum processors with NVIDIA GPU scientific supercomputers will soon become a standard practice, expanding the horizons of computing possibilities. Huang envisions NVQLink as the bridge that unites quantum and classical supercomputers into a cohesive system, heralding the dawn of the quantum-GPU computing era. This strategic move is expected to revolutionize the landscape of high-performance computing and accelerate advancements in quantum supercomputing, as emphasized by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who views NVQLink as essential infrastructure for next-generation research.

Furthermore, NVQLink seamlessly integrates into NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q software stack, empowering developers to prototype hybrid applications that span across CPUs, GPUs, and quantum processors. The collaboration extends to hardware partners such as Atom Computing, IonQ, Pasqal, and others, as well as control system suppliers like Keysight and Zurich Instruments. This collective effort aims to drive innovation in quantum computing applications and pave the way for transformative advancements in the field.

In conclusion, the introduction of NVQLink by NVIDIA represents a significant milestone in the convergence of quantum and classical computing technologies. By enabling efficient communication and collaboration between GPU-based supercomputers and quantum processors, NVQLink is poised to unlock new possibilities in quantum computing research and application development. As the industry continues to embrace hybrid supercomputing solutions, the future holds promising prospects for leveraging the combined power of quantum and classical computing systems to tackle complex computational challenges and drive scientific breakthroughs.