Quantum information processing via photonically connected, modular neutral-atom processors

随着“第二次量子革命”的到来，超越量子信息提案和概念验证实验的举措需要一整套组件，包括量子计算机。虽然通用量子计算机仍然是最终目标，但解决特定问题的专用设备为利用量子优势为现实世界技术提供了近期机会。 在这里，我们解决的挑战，以实现一个特殊用途的量子计算机与模块化的方法，基于光子互连之间的小规模量子处理器。我们将建立在最近展示的中性原子量子处理器技术的基础上，其中数百个光学捕获的单个中性原子作为量子位在具有几微米间距的任意结构的几何结构中。对于我们的系统来说，我们将利用我们在量子存储器方面的专业知识，在这些量子位旁边添加基于集成的光量子存储器，以在一个处理器和将信息发送到第二个模块化处理器的光学连接之间进行接口：这种方法提供了可扩展性和交互性问题的解决方案，同时自然促进了分布式量子计算。这些活动将测试模块化方法的功能，并探讨互连的要求。在该项目的理论方面，我们将探索实现特定量子模拟的独特几何形状和演示算法。 在接下来的阶段中，我们将测试一个真正的模块化系统，其中两个测试系统在实验室的不同部分构建，以证明该方法的模块化。 虽然计算是最有前途的量子技术之一，但我们预计，模块化设计可以扩展到未来的基于原子的量子传感器，为阿尔伯塔的第一台量子计算机奠定基础，在阿尔伯塔成功制造量子硬件，同时为阿尔伯塔社区的需求进行专门设计。

With the "second quantum revolution", the move beyond quantum information proposals and proof-of-concept experiments requires a full stack of components, including quantum computers. While universal quantum computers remain the ultimate goal, special-purpose devices that solve particular problems provide near-term opportunities to harness the advantages of quantum advantage for real-world technologies. Here, we address the challenge to to realize a special-purpose quantum computer with a modular approach based on photonic interconnects between smaller-scale quantum processors. We will build on recently demonstrated neutral-atom quantum processor technology, where hundreds of optically trapped individual neutral atoms serve as qubits in arbitrarily structured geometries with few-micrometer spacings. Unique to our system, we will leverage our expertise in quantum memory to add ensemble-based optical quantum memories next to these qubits, to interface between one processor and an optical connection that sends information to a second modular processor: this approach offers a solution to the problems of scalability and interactivity, while naturally facilitating distributed quantum computing. These activities will test the functionality of the modular approach, and explore the requirements for interconnection. On the theoretical side of the project, we will explore unique geometries and demonstration algorithms that realize specific quantum simulations. In the next stages, we will test a truly modular system, wherein two test systems are constructed in different parts of the laboratory, to demonstrate the modularity of the approach. While computation is among the most promising of quantum technologies, we anticipate that the modular design can be extended to future atom-based quantum sensors, setting the stage as Alberta's first quantum computer, for a successful venture manufacturing quantum hardware in Alberta, while purpose-designing it for the needs of the Alberta community.