Breaking Through a Major Quantum Barrier

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Quantum computing is at the threshold of tackling important problems that cannot be efficiently or practically computed by other, more classical means. Getting past this threshold will require us to build, test and operate reliable quantum computers with 50 or more qubits.

Achieving this potential will require major leaps forward in both science and engineering. To help make those leaps, methods are needed to test quantum devices and to compare observed behaviors with desired behaviors so that the design, manufacturing, and operation of these devices can be improved over time.

In particular, to test whether the measured outcomes observed on a quantum device are consistent with the quantum circuit being executed, one needs the ability to compute expected quantum amplitudes (complex numbers used to describe the behavior of systems) for those outcomes in order to test arbitrary circuits.

Quantum circuits can be thought of as sets of instructions (gates) that are sent to quantum devices to perform computations. …
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For the full story, go to: Quantum Computing: Breaking Through the 49 Qubit Simulation Barrier on the IBM Research Blog.