Quantum Leap: Duke Aims for a 96-Qubit Future by 2027

A groundbreaking initiative is underway at Duke University, setting an ambitious target: the development of a 96-qubit quantum computer by 2027. This monumental project, a collaborative effort with quantum computing giant Quantinuum (a spin-off from Honeywell), is poised to dramatically accelerate the quest for practical and powerful quantum computing.

Funded by the Army Research Office (ARO), this endeavor is not just about building a bigger machine, but about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the quantum realm.

At the helm of this cutting-edge research are Jungsang Kim, a prominent professor of electrical and computer engineering at Duke, and Dave Moehring, the head of technology and development at Quantinuum.

Their combined expertise forms the backbone of a project that seeks to overcome some of the most formidable challenges in quantum computing today. The goal is to move beyond the current generation of quantum machines, which typically boast 24 to 32 "fully connected" qubits, to a device capable of far more complex computations.

The core technology underpinning this ambitious project is based on trapped ions.

This approach involves suspending individual atoms (ions) in a vacuum using electromagnetic fields and manipulating their quantum states with lasers. The Duke-Quantinuum team specifically leverages a sophisticated architecture known as the "quantum charge-coupled device" (QCCD). This design allows ions to be shuttled between different zones on a microchip, enabling complex operations and interactions while preserving their delicate quantum coherence – a critical factor for successful quantum computation.

The leap to 96 qubits represents a significant increase in computational power, paving the way for simulating intricate molecular structures, revolutionizing drug discovery, engineering advanced materials, and even developing unbreakable encryption methods.

The ability to control and interconnect such a large number of qubits consistently and reliably is a monumental engineering feat, demanding innovation across multiple disciplines.

Duke University's role in this partnership is pivotal, focusing on the fundamental hardware and systems. Their researchers are tasked with designing novel ion traps, developing highly precise control electronics, and integrating advanced photonics necessary for manipulating the ions.

Quantinuum, on the other hand, brings unparalleled expertise in quantum system integration, scaling quantum hardware, and steering the technology towards commercial viability and real-world applications.

Professor Kim emphasized the delicate balance required to achieve this goal, noting, "The biggest challenges in quantum computing right now are scaling up the number of qubits while maintaining quantum coherence and performing operations quickly and accurately." This project aims to address these challenges head-on, leveraging years of research and development in trapped-ion systems.

This collaboration builds on a strong foundation of previous successful projects, including earlier partnerships with the Army Research Office and the established Duke Quantum Information Science and Engineering Center (QISE Center).

The QISE Center brings together a diverse group of faculty and students, including luminaries like Ken Brown and Christopher Monroe, all contributing to Duke's reputation as a global leader in quantum information science.

The project's success will not only be measured by the raw number of qubits but also by the "quantum volume" – a metric that assesses a quantum computer's overall performance, considering both the number of qubits and their connectivity and error rates.

Achieving a high quantum volume with 96 qubits will signify a monumental step forward, moving quantum computing from theoretical promise closer to practical reality.

As the quantum race heats up, this partnership between Duke University and Quantinuum, supported by the ARO, positions them at the forefront of innovation.

Their ambitious pursuit of a 96-qubit quantum computer by 2027 promises to unlock capabilities previously unimaginable, heralding a new era of computational power that could redefine industries and solve some of humanity's most complex problems.