Exploiting first-generation quantum computers

上下文[注意，这个上下文文本已经在以前的JES描述中使用过]：本杰明教授的团队(qtechtheory.org)有一个正在进行的理论项目，该项目结合使用分析技术和传统的超级计算机来预测第一代量子计算机的行为，包括它们的局限性和缺陷。其目的是为这些强大但不完美的系统找到应用程序。世界各地的许多研究小组正在接近实现一种极其强大的新技术的第一代：量子计算机。建造这样一台机器意味着学习控制量子比特(量子比特)。人们正在尝试不同的方法：量子比特可能是单个原子，也可能是钻石中的纳米结构，超导回路，甚至是重新设计的传统硅芯片，以容纳量子比特。但它们都有一个共同点：我们可以实现的控制远远低于我们对传统计算机中比特的控制。因此，与我们可靠的传统技术相比，第一代量子计算机将是不完美的，但它们仍有可能远远强大得多。这个理论项目的重点是了解第一代量子计算机的能力，包括它们的局限性和缺陷。该项目的一个关键目标是确定新材料和化学发现等应用，这些应用可能能够在近期的量子计算机上成功运行，尽管它存在缺陷。这可能包括探索改善“量子误差缓解”的相邻目标，“量子误差缓解”是使量子计算机能够以更稳定和更有用的方式在多种应用中运行的协议。此外，尽管该项目的重点是早期的量子计算机，但范围内的另一个目标将是探索预期中的从第一代计算机到更晚(更成熟)计算机的过渡，这是通过“容错”的概念实现的。这项研究将既包括分析的纸笔理论，也包括使用传统计算机模拟量子机的数值建模；对于后一目标，该小组拥有Quest系列软件包，可以尽可能地进行有效的模拟。随着越来越有用的量子原型硬件在线可用，这些系统(到目前为止太小、太不完美而无法使用)很可能也会被使用。该项目可用的资源包括牛津ARC(高级研究计算)设施，特别是作为QCS国家量子中心的一部分获得的~GB 0.5M计算和GPU节点集群。主要支持将来自西蒙·本杰明教授(牛津)，东道主小组包括14名在相关领域工作的个人，其中包括4名博士后和与该小组有关的研究员。

Context [note, this Context text has been used in prior JeS descriptions]: Prof Benjamin's group (qtechtheory.org) has an ongoing theory project which uses a combination of analytic techniques together with conventional supercomputers to predict the behaviour of 1st generation quantum computers including their limitations and flaws. The aim is to find applications for these powerful but imperfect systems. Many research groups around the world are getting close to realizing the first generation of a profoundly powerful new class of technology: quantum computers. Building such a machine means learning to control qubits (quantum bits). Different approaches are being tried: qubits may be individual atoms, or nanostructures in diamond, superconducting loops, or even conventional silicon chips redesigned to host qubits. But all have one thing in common: the control we can achieve is far lower than the control we have over bits in conventional computers. The first generation of quantum computers will therefore be imperfect, by comparison to our reliable conventional technologies, but they will still have the potentially to be vastly more powerful. The focus of this theory project is on understanding the capabilities of 1st generation quantum computers including their limitations and flaws. One key goal of the project is to identify applications, such as novel materials and chemistry discovery, which may be able to run successfully on a near-term quantum computer despite its imperfections. This may include exploring the adjacent goal of improving "quantum error mitigation" which are protocols that enable quantum computers to behave in a more stable and useful manner for multiple applications. Additionally, although the focus of the project is on early quantum computers, another goal within scope will be to explore the anticipated transition from 1st generation machines to later (more mature) generations through the concept of 'fault tolerance'. The research will include both analytic "pen and paper" theory as well as numerical modelling using conventional computers to simulate quantum machines; for the latter goal the group has the QuEST family of software packages that allow efficient simulation to the extent possible. As increasingly useful quantum prototype hardware becomes available online, it is likely that these systems (which have hitherto been too small and imperfect to be useful) will also be used.Resources available to the project include the Oxford ARC (Advanced Research Computing) facility and specifically the ~£0.5M cluster of compute and GPU nodes that have been acquired as part of the QCS National Quantum Hub. Primary support will come from Prof. Simon Benjamin (Oxford) and the host group includes 14 individuals working in related areas including 4 postdocs and research fellows associated with the group.