In a fascinating tour of an IBM Quantum lab and data center, Dr. Olivia Lanes, Global Lead and Manager for IBM Quantum Learning and Education, provided an in-depth look into the world of quantum computing. The tour, which explored the complex workings of quantum computers and their environment, offered rare insights into this cutting-edge technology.
Lanes, an experienced scientist and educator in the field, commenced the tour by highlighting IBM Quantum’s achievement.
“IBM Quantum has the largest number of quantum processors available through the cloud,” she said, underscoring IBM’s leading role in the quantum computing space.
One of the tour’s focal points was the dilution refrigerator, essential for maintaining the extremely low temperatures necessary for quantum computing. Lanes described this sophisticated equipment as a “Russian nesting doll,” a layered structure designed to progressively cool its contents.
“The outer can here is obviously at room temperature…the inner can which hosts the IBM Quantum processor and lives here at the very bottom is at an insanely cold temperature of about 15 millikelvin,” said Lanes.
Lanes explained the process of communicating with the quantum processors, a complex task due to their cryogenic environment.
“We basically have cables that run to the bottom of the fridge here and then all the way back up to the top of the fridge into these room temperature amplifiers,” she said. This intricate system allows the quantum signals to be amplified and processed by standard computing devices.
The tour also revealed the substantial infrastructure supporting these quantum systems. Lanes pointed out various components, including pumps, compressors and liquid nitrogen tanks, all crucial for maintaining the delicate conditions needed for quantum computing.
“We need to make sure that this drawer of liquid nitrogen is full at all times,” she said, underlining the continuous need for these resources.
Lanes also showcased the control systems that manage the cryogenic environment. She illustrated the ease of operation, saying: “The laptop here is also an interface for all of the cryogenic equipment in the dilution refrigerator as well. You can log on and basically press one button that says full cool down or one button that says full warmup.”
The tour provided a unique glimpse into the world of quantum computing, demystifying the complex machinery and processes behind this revolutionary technology. Lanes’ expertise and the detailed exploration of the IBM Quantum lab illuminated this often misunderstood cutting-edge science and sophisticated engineering that powers quantum computers. This field, still in its nascent stages, holds immense potential for future technological advancements, and IBM’s work exemplifies the progress being made in making quantum computing a reality.
Featured image: Credit: IBM
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