Insider Brief:
- Mitsubishi Electric, Quantinuum K.K., Keio University, SoftBank Corp., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., YOKOHAMA National University, and LQUOM, Inc. signed a joint research agreement to develop scalable quantum information processing by connecting multiple quantum devices in practical environments.
- The research focuses on overcoming limitations in single quantum computers by enabling interconnected systems that enhance processing power and operational flexibility.
- Key technological developments include quantum memory, quantum repeaters, high-efficiency converters, transmission stabilization subsystems, and control systems for coordinated operation.
- The collaboration will demonstrate multi-device connectivity and test city-to-city quantum connections with support from Kawasaki City, Yokohama City, and Kanagawa Prefecture, aiming to enable virtual large-scale quantum computing.
- Image Credit: Mitsubishi Electric, proposed information processing infrastructure
PRESS RELEASE — Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced today it has signed a joint research agreement with Quantinuum K.K., Keio University, SoftBank Corp., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., YOKOHAMA National University, and LQUOM, Inc. Their collaboration aims to enable deployable and scalable quantum information processing by achieving and demonstrating the connection of multiple quantum devices in a practical environment.
Quantum technology is expected to significantly transform information processing in areas such as computing, communication and measurement, which serve as the foundation for scientific and technological advancement. In particular, within the field of computing, it is anticipated that practical quantum computers will emerge in the near future, coexisting with conventional classical computers and heralding their commercial utilization. However, even with the advent of such devices, a single computer will have limited processing capacity and may encounter service disruptions due to malfunctions or maintenance issues. Thus, the ability to connect multiple devices to enhance processing capabilities and enable flexible operation and management is required.
Additionally, photons-elementary particles of light-are employed for the transmission of quantum information; these are frequently lost over long-distance connections, an issue which quantum repeating technology is capable of addressing.
The joint research that will result from this collaboration will focus on scalable quantum information processing technologies, including the interconnection of multiple quantum computers. The necessary steps towards the maturation of the technology are intra-site connections, connections between neighboring cities, and a worldwide quantum internet. The research will concentrate on realizing the first two of these.
To connect multiple quantum computers located some distance from each other, it is necessary to distribute pairs of photons in a quantum entangled state, a phenomenon where particles form a strong bond, and share this entanglement between the quantum computers.
As part of their joint research, the organizations will develop:
- quantum memory to preserve quantum states for a specified duration
- quantum repeating devices to facilitate the exchange of quantum entanglement necessary for long-distance communication
- high-efficiency converters to transform quantum states within quantum computers into photons for communication
- sub-systems to stabilize transmission paths and restore disturbed quantum states
- control systems to accurately coordinate these quantum information processing devices
Leveraging their individual strengths, the participating organizations will demonstrate the connection of multiple quantum computers and strive to enhance technical readiness levels. Regarding connections between cities, it is necessary to evaluate these within a practical network environment, and the advanced technological knowledge of local universities and startups will be crucial; the organizations will accordingly collaborate with Kawasaki City, Yokohama City, and Kanagawa Prefecture.
This joint research is expected to contribute to the realization of virtual large-scale quantum computing, the efficient and stable operation of quantum computers through the sharing and virtualization of computational capabilities, and the establishment of a comprehensive quantum information infrastructure that facilitates the smooth and secure transfer of measurement data to quantum computers for processing. Additionally, it will help enhance the industry-academia-government ecosystem.
SOURCE: Mitsubishi Electric
