Jan 23 2018
Quantum computers are emerging and drawing the attention of scientists spread over the world. However, as of today, it is not possible to tell when a universal quantum computer with thousands of logical quantum bits will be developed.
At present, most quantum computer prototypes comprise of less than ten individually controllable qubits and they only exist in laboratories for the sake of either the professional maintenance requirements or the huge costs of the devices. Furthermore, scientists assume that quantum computers will never replace the daily, every-minute application of classical computers, but would function as a considerable addition to the classical ones when tackling a few specific problems. Due to the above reasons, cloud-based quantum computing is expected to be the most reachable and useful form for public users allowing them to experience with the power of quantum.
Connection between different parts of the NMRcloudQ platform. (Image credit: ©Science China Press)
As early attempts, IBM Q has introduced influential cloud services on a superconducting quantum processor in 2016. However, no other cloud services have followed up yet.
Three research teams from Prof. G. L. Long at Tsinghua University, Ali-USTC joint program and Quantum BenYuan at USTC recently launched their cloud services on the same day. Different from the current cloud services, a joint team headed by G. Long at Tsinghua University, B. Zeng at University of Guelph and D. Lu at SUSTech presents a new cloud quantum computing NMRCloudQ based on renowned nuclear magnetic resonance.
NMRCloudQ service offers a comprehensive software environment and focuses on freely accessing either amateurs that look forward to maintaining pace with this quantum era or professionals interested in performing real quantum computing experiments in a person. In the present version, 4-qubit NMRCloudQ offers users with 20 single-qubit gates and 9 two-qubit gates for constructing quantum circuit on line and density matrix of the final state after completing experiments.
Randomized Benchmarking tests reveal that average 99.10% single-qubit gate fidelity and 97.15% two-qubit fidelity are attained. Enhanced control precisions after updating a new sample with extended coherence time and sturdier coupling between different nuclei will be available later. NMRCloudQ, benefiting from the mature techniques in experimental quantum computing, may be able to open the control layer to users in the future.