Scientists Achieve Quantum Supremacy in Solving Practical Problems

Researchers from MIT, Harvard University and the University of Innsbruck demonstrated the possibilities

For their work, the scientists used a Harvard quantum processor consisting of 289 qubits operating in analog mode, with an effective circuit depth of up to 32. 

The authors of the work note the unprecedented power of quantum equipment, which was achieved in the process of research.According to the scientists, the combination of the size of the system, the depth of the circuit and quantum control led to a quantum leap: the performance of the system in solving the problem was higher than expected. 

The computer was given the task of calculatingmaximum independent set. This mathematical problem from graph theory has many applications in logistics, economics, finance, and network design. The researchers believe that solving the problem with quantum acceleration paves the way for the application of quantum computing to real industrial and social problems.

The researchers note that the largeThe systems and circuit depth used in the study made it impossible to use classical simulation for preliminary optimization of control parameters. The quantum-classical hybrid algorithm was deployed in a closed loop with direct automatic feedback to the quantum processor.

"Deep understanding of the underlying physicsquantum algorithm, as well as the fundamental limitations of its classical counterpart, allowed us to implement ways to achieve acceleration of a quantum machine, ”says Madeleine Kane, co-author of the study from Harvard.

Study participants note that the importanceMatching the problem and quantum hardware plays a key role in the effective application of quantum computing. To achieve maximum efficiency, scientists believe, it is necessary that the system architecture matches the problem at hand.

We are very pleased to see that quantum computingbegin to reach the required level of maturity, where the hardware can develop algorithms beyond what can be predicted in advance using classical computational methods. Moreover, the presence of quantum acceleration in solving complex problems is extremely encouraging.

Alex Kisling, CEO of QuEra Computing and co-author of the paper

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