Exploring novel approaches to viable, fault-tolerant quantum computers with the help of three selected industry corporations.
DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, has recently collaborated with three commercial partners in a program known as Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC). The aim of this program is to accelerate the development of quantum computing and explore novel approaches to creating viable and fault-tolerant quantum computers. The selected companies are Atom Computing, Microsoft Corporation, and PsiQuantum Corp.
The goal of US2QC is to reduce the danger of strategic surprise from underexplored quantum computing systems
Joe Altepeter, US2QC program manager in DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office
Atom Computing is based in Berkeley, California and builds scalable quantum computers using large arrays of optically trapped atoms.
Microsoft Corporation, based in Redmond, Washington, is developing an industrial-scale quantum system using a topological qubit architecture that could fit in a closet and solve problems in a practical timeframe.
PsiQuantum Corp. located in Palo Alto, California, is using silicon-based photonics to create an error-corrected quantum computer.
As the first phase of the US2QC program commences, the selected companies will present their design concepts for creating a utility-scale quantum computer. This design concept will then serve as a blueprint for a more comprehensive system design, focusing on all the essential components and sub-systems required to construct and operate the computer effectively.
To evaluate these presented concepts, a DARPA-led test and validation team composed of experts from government laboratories and federally funded research and development centers will be put in place.
With the goal of reducing the risk of strategic surprise from underexplored quantum computing systems, the US2QC program is a five-year initiative that will be executed in four phases.
DARPA aims to ensure the United States maintains its leadership position in this critical technology, as well as safeguard against any unexpected security threats_
