Researchers Nvidia have announced a significant breakthrough in the development of a fully functional and commercially viable quantum computer. This advancement is based on modeling utilizing graphic processors (GPU).
Despite extensive efforts over the years in the advancement of quantum computers, there remains a lack of consensus among physicists regarding the most effective path for their creation.
Quantum computers operate in a fundamentally different way compared to classical computers. While conventional computers use binary switches for computations, quantum computers utilize qubits, allowing for much more intricate calculations.
Several approaches are being explored for the development of quantum computers, each requiring costly infrastructure, cutting-edge engineering solutions, and innovative research in theoretical mathematics and physics.
Currently, the two most prevalent approaches are quantum Gating and quantum annealing, each offering unique capabilities.
NVIDIA is concentrating on the advancement of a quantum annealing system. Leveraging the company’s extensive experience in GPU technology for gaming and artificial intelligence affords it exceptional opportunities for exploring quantum computations through supercomputer modeling.
Supercomputers Against Superclusters
According to a recent publication, the NVIDIA team employed hundreds of thousands of GPUs across multiple separate clusters for modeling the behavior of the quantum annealing system.
Typically, such simulations are conducted on supercomputers with cluster architecture based on CPUs. However, NVIDIA GPUs offer a powerful alternative.
The NVIDIA research details how the team used these simulations to address issues in annealing systems where magnetic particles in a quantum computer unpredictably alter their behavior. Through modeling, the team proposed a solution involving manipulation of magnetic fields. This development could potentially lead to the availability of a fully functional quantum annealing system in the market.
Quantum annealing systems are being designed to tackle specific problems, unlike universal quantum computers. They are specifically tailored for optimization problems in areas such as quantum sensing, transportation, logistics, energy, finance, and blockchain.
In the financial sector, for instance, quantum computing systems could significantly enhance the precision of forecasting and portfolio management.
The recent research and accomplishments of NVIDIA underscore the promise of quantum computations and move us closer to a new era in computational technologies.