IBM offers to use the first quantum computer


01/10/2019

At CES, IBM introduced the IBM Q quantum computer, which will be available to commercial companies, scientific organizations and educational institutions.



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IBM introduced Q System One, a compact modular quantum computer, which the company’s representatives themselves dubbed "the world's first integrated universal quantum computing system designed for scientific and commercial applications." So far, it is impossible to buy this computer. Scientists and companies will be able to rent it in a quantum computer center, which IBM will soon open in Poughkeepsie (New York, USA). In the future, it will be available for sale.

IBM Q offers 20-qubit computing using classic computer components and quantum solutions. The computer is quite massive and looks like a sealed cube-shaped case with a 2.75 m edge, which is made of 1.27 cm thick borosilicate glass. In addition to the quantum processor, the Q System One has various control modules and a cooling system.

The choice of case material, according to the Engadget resource, is justified by tsimplicity of maintaining the temperature necessary for the device to operate. In addition, the design protects components of the quantum computer from unwanted vibrations that can lead to occurrence of computational errors in the process of its work.

Despite the fact that IBM claims that the invention is the first universal system for quantum computing, it does not have enough power for many commercial purposes, writes TechCrunch. IBM added that this is only the first attempt to create a system for solving complex problems and that it is upgradeable.

"This system is vital in order for quantum computing to leave the laboratories and finally put into practice in business and science," said Arvind Krishna, head of IBM Research.

At the same time, the corporation announced creation of the IBM Q Network in partnership with the oil giant ExxonMobil, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and Fermilab. The purpose of the consortium will be to find working examples of introduction of quantum computing.

In general, quantum computing systems are considered one of the most promising technologies at the moment. It is assumed that they will become the basis for a full-fledged artificial intelligence, will be able to simplify aerospace and military systems, model new materials and medicines. It is also possible that in the future, quantum systems will be able to improve game projects in virtual reality, simulating any physical laws in fictional worlds.

Many researchers and some representatives of the community are convinced that quantum computers that will be able to hack the bitcoin blockchain in the future. For example, at the end of 2017, an international team of researchers concluded that this would happen by 2027.

source: engadget.com, techcrunch.com