A great deal of hope is pinned on quantum computers. In future, it is planned that they will solve tasks that are too complex for today’s supercomputers. For example, quantum computers could search huge amounts of data extremely quickly, optimize traffic networks or production processes in factories, and predict chemical processes, which could enable the rapid development of new active ingredients for drugs or new batteries. However, there is still a lot of research to be done before that happens.
Jülich covers the entire spectrum of research – from the search for appropriate quantum materials and the design of circuits and suitable cryoelectronics right up to the development of prototypes and applications.
Research at Jülich
Jülich researchers are pursuing different approaches in their efforts to realize qubits, the computing units of quantum computers. Together with partners, they are developing computers with both semiconductor qubits and superconducting qubits. They are also researching other alternatives such as hybrid qubits. Exploring different approaches is important, as it is not yet possible to say which technology will ultimately prevail.
Another challenge is that today’s qubits are susceptible to disruption, which is why calculation errors often occur. For this reason, Jülich researchers are also working on error correction and researching qubits with a low error rate. They are also developing cryoelectronics to control qubits at temperatures close to absolute zero, i.e. -273 °C, the operating temperature of many qubit types.
Jülich offers ideal conditions for research into quantum computers, with numerous experts working together closely on different approaches and tasks. They coordinate or are involved in national and European projects in which project partners from science and industry are building different quantum systems.
The European quantum computer project OpenSuperQPlus brings together 28 research partners from 10 European countries with the goal of developing a quantum computer with 1,000 qubits. Forschungszentrum Jülich is responsible for coordinating the project. Like its predecessor project OpenSuperQ, OpenSuperQPlus aims to achieve a versatile quantum computer in Europe. Initial applications can be expected primarily in the field of quantum simulation for the chemical industry and materials science. The quantum computer will also be used to solve optimization problems and for machine learning.
As part of the large-scale QSolid project, Forschungszentrum Jülich and its partners have started operating the first prototype of a quantum computer with enhanced qubit quality. This prototype is the basis for a future quantum computer developed in Germany, which will be based on superconducting qubits and capable of tackling challenging calculations for research and industry. The system will be extended in the coming years and integrated into JUNIQ, the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum computing.
Inside the quantum computer from the OpenSuperQPlus project. Copyright: Forschungszentrum Jülich/Sascha Kreklau
Access for science and industry
JUNIQ provides researchers and industry partners across Europe with open access to various quantum systems. In addition to experimental systems from the pioneering projects QSolid and OpenSuperQPlus, it offers access to commercial systems such as D-Wave’s quantum annealer and a quantum simulator by French start-up Pasqal. Its range of services also includes powerful quantum emulators that allow researchers to simulate quantum computers on conventional supercomputers.
New technologies have the potential to make quantum computers even more powerful and to continue their transfer into applications. To support these efforts, new laboratories dedicated to specific topics are being built, such as the Helmholtz Quantum Center (HQC). The HQC will provide Jülich with a unique central technology centre where researchers can work together on different aspects of development. Located close by is the Helmholtz Nano Facility (HNF), a cleanroom facility where quantum components and computer chips are produced.
Forschungszentrum Jülich also showcases how scientific excellence and entrepreneurial spirit can be effectively combined in the field of quantum computing. Several start-ups have emerged in this area over the past few years, including Qruise and ARQUE Systems.
Participating institutes & Projects
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Headerimage: Forschungszentrum Jülich/Sascha Kreklau