Experimental Robustness vs. Computational Complexity in a Neutral Atom Based NISQ Information Processor
Abstract
Quantum computing is a radically new information processing paradigm that can potentially address classically intractable problems in areas ranging from black hole physics to cybersecurity to the design of new materials and drugs. While quantum computers can process exponential amounts of information in parallel, they are exponentially sensitive to crashing. Protecting quantum information requires the sophisticated techniques of quantum error correction, and to accomplish this in a fault-tolerant manner requires a huge overhead and precise operations that are out of reach of current technology. While great strides are being made in this direction, near-term solutions are sought after on so-called Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices. This project seeks to understand whether and how a NISQ device can achieve "quantum supremacy" over a "classical" supercomputer. In particular, we conjecture that if the output of a NISQ device is robust to noise then it is computationally simple and solvable on a classical computer, in contrast to hard problems that we expect to be hypersensitive to noise. Our proposal to establish the computational power of NISQ devices brings together an interdisciplinary team in quantum physics and information science, with cutting-edge experimental and theoretical capabilities. We will put our ideas to the test on a newly designed platform consisting of arrays of individual ultracold cesium atoms, trapped in "optical tweezers," and manipulated with lasers and microwave fields to perform quantum logic. This platform is ideally suited to achieve our objectives given its potential scalability to approximately 100 atoms, our capability to execute exquisite quantum control, our excellent understanding of the underlying physics, and our ability to model the experiment from first principles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010123
Entities
People
- Grant Biedermann
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Oklahoma