Software advance brings complex quantum simulations to standard computers
A major software advance could aid the creation of bigger, more reliable quantum computers, a study suggests. Researchers have developed an algorithm that enables off-the-shelf computers to run quantum simulations previously only possible using the world's most powerful supercomputers.
A significant software breakthrough could make complex quantum simulations accessible to standard computers, according to a new study. Researchers have created an algorithm allowing off-the-shelf computers to perform quantum simulations that were previously only feasible with the world's most powerful supercomputers. This breakthrough reduces the computing power required for these simulations by around 5%, potentially making them cheaper and more accessible.
The development could aid the creation of larger, more reliable quantum computers, as current devices are small and prone to errors. The algorithm enables standard computers to run Gaussian boson sampling, a simulation that demonstrates photonic quantum computers' superior capabilities. Tests showed that classical computers using the algorithm could outperform some existing quantum devices in running these simulations.
The research, published in Science Advances, involved scientists from the University of Edinburgh, EPCC, and Polytechnique Montréal, Canada. Dr. Raul Garcia-Patron Sanchez highlighted that classical simulation of large-scale quantum computing circuits was previously achieved through clever algorithms and supercomputing facilities.
However, the new work has significantly improved memory use, running time, and energy costs, making mainstream simulations previously accessible only to a few facilities worldwide.
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