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发展需要包括量子计算机在内的全套组件。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的技术提供了短期机会。在这里，我们解决了用基于较小规模量子处理器之间光子互连的模块化方法实现专用量子计算机的挑战。我们将以最近展示的中性原子量子处理器技术为基础，其中数百个光学捕获的单个中性原子在任意结构的几何形状中充当量子位，间距仅为几微米。我们的系统是独一无二的，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学量子存储器，在一个处理器和将信息发送到第二个模块化处理器的光连接之间的接口：这种方法为可扩展性和交互性问题提供了解决方案，同时自然地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，并探索互连的需求。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，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，以展示该方法的模块化。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，为阿尔伯塔省第一台量子计算机奠定基础，在阿尔伯塔省成功地制造量子硬件，同时根据阿尔伯塔省社区的需求进行目的设计。

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.