22nd June 2021, Kathmandu
Quantum Computer is a computer that makes use of the quantum states of subatomic particles to store information.
A quantum computer encodes information into quantum states and computes by performing quantum operations on it.
Quantum Computers Can Now Be Used in Data Centers
Quantum computers still require large, dedicated rooms and complex installations.
But now, in a new direction to bring that technology out of the laboratory, researchers have designed a prototype quantum computer.
The new quantum computer design is compact enough to fit easily into a general data center rack.
A team of scientists from the University of Innsbruck, Austria, has successfully set up a fully functional ion trap quantum computer on two 19-inch server racks as part of a project called AQTN (T), funded by the European Union.
Such server racks are found in data centers around the world. This device only requires a single wall-mounted power plug and is otherwise self-contained.
Such prototyping is an exciting development in the industry.
It relies heavily on laboratory-based implementations, where quantum computers can only be controlled through purpose-built infrastructure.
Developing a more accessible setup will be important to expand access to technology.
That’s why the EU recently launched a 10 million AQTN project aimed at creating compact ion-trap quantum computers.
It meets industry standards without the need for a more stable laboratory environment for quantum computer operation.
Quantum computing use typically covers laboratories of 30 to 50 square meters. The company is trying to fit the technologies developed at Innsbruck into the smallest possible space by meeting the standards commonly used in the industry.
The new device shows that the quantum computer will soon be ready for use in data centers.
The researchers used ions, which are single-charged atoms, in the form of cubits. Quantum information is encoded in the electronic state of ions, and operations are performed through laser pulses that modify and control the state of the particles.
This approach is different from the quantum computers used by Google and IBM.
Researchers found no difference in its functionality in the lab and outside.
However, when it comes to external use, it is to be further improved to meet the physical challenges it faces.
It will be available to the public next year.
