Fact: Quantum computers
The basic building blocks of a quantum computer are called quantum bits and are based on completely different principles than today’s computers.
Put simply, a classic computer uses information in ones and zeros. Either or.
However, the quantum bits can also be one and zero at the same time.
In addition, for each quantum bit added, the number of possible values doubles, making quantum computers quickly superior to classical computers.
A classic computer processes one number at a time. A quantum computer can do the same calculation on many numbers at the same time.
The number of quantum bits does not say everything about how powerful a quantum computer is, but a common example is that already at 300 quantum bits there are more possible values than the number of particles in the entire observable universe.
Various discoveries in quantum mechanics were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2012 and 2022.
Source: National encyclopedia, Chalmers et al.
It attracted a lot of attention when Google announced in 2019 that a computer had carried out the first really advanced quantum calculation.
The calculation took 200 seconds to perform, while the world’s fastest classical computer would have needed several days – at least – for the same thing.
The problem, notes Per Delsing, is that no one benefited from the calculation.
“It was a milestone, that they did something that a classic computer can’t do, or at least much faster than a classic computer can do,” he says.
— But it wasn’t an algorithm that anyone was happy about. The next step is to make something that is both useful and faster and a classic computer.
Per Delsing in the quantum computer lab. In the white cylinder behind him, the cryostat, are extremely cooled quantum bits.”Build competence”
Chalmers now wants to take a step in that direction. The quantum computer that has been being built in Gothenburg for a few years is to be copied and made available to companies and researchers.
— The idea is that Swedish industry and Swedish researchers should be able to test ideas on quantum algorithms to solve problems or to research this, says Per Delsing, who is professor of physics at Chalmers.
In an international comparison, Chalmers’ quantum computer is still relatively small. It is currently at 25 so-called quantum bits, with the goal of increasing to 100.
Meanwhile, IBM has one that currently has 433 quantum bits.
— We have a hard time competing with IBM, but the purpose of this is to build competence in Sweden, so that we in Sweden know partly how to use these, partly how to build these, says Per Delsing.
Behind the Swedish quantum investment at Chalmers, which has a total budget of just over one billion kroner, is largely money from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The foundation is now pushing for an additional SEK 102 million to build the second quantum computer.
Chalmers’ current quantum computer currently has 25 quantum bits, but should be expanded to 100 within a few years. Starts help desk
In addition to the new computer, Chalmers is also starting a help desk, which will support those who want to use the quantum computer. Because it will be needed.
“I usually say that there is more similarity between an abacus and a classical computer than between a classical computer and a quantum computer,” says Per Delsing.
— So you have to know how to solve a problem with a quantum computer, it can’t be done like with a classical computer.
Chalmers hopes that the new quantum computer will be ready to run algorithms in 2025. It will initially have 25 quantum bits and after a few years be expanded to 40.