BigQ is developing a photonic quantum computer
A new project aims to develop a new quantum computer that uses photonic systems. The Center of Excellence Center for Macroscopic Quantum States (bigQ) at DTU is part of the project that has been named Photonic Quantum Computing (PhotoQ), which seeks to develop quantum processors that supersede the current ones.
The Center of Excellence Center for Macroscopic Quantum States (bigQ) at DTU is part of a new project that wants to develop a photonic quantum computer. Building on previous research from DTU, the project, called PhotoQ, wants to create a quantum computer that separates itself from the current ones by using a different technological platform. The team behind the project hopes that the new quantum computers will give Danish companies a technological head start in the future.
“The last couple of years, we have had an ambition to develop a photonic quantum processor and demonstrate the platform’s potential. Since then, we have made good progress, and PhotoQ gives us an opportunity to go from research to innovation and set the course toward a universal miscorrected quantum computer,” said Professor Ulrik Lund Andersen, who is head of center at bigQ and behind PhotoQ.
A photonic quantum computer
The photonic systems will be the key to separating the new quantum computers from the current ones. The photonic processors will make it easier to scale and thereby make it less expensive and less energy-intensive. The project wants to combine research with innovation to help Danish companies by giving them a technological advantage in the future.
“When we deliver route optimization to the logistics industry, it is an extended ‘traveling salesman’ problem we solve. For a route with 10 stops there can be over 3 million potential routes, and we have to find the best one. It demands huge computing power. PhotoQ is a great chance for us to examine which benefits a quantum computer could add to our company,” said Lasse Jiborn, who is commercial director at AMCS Group, which is part of the project as well.
In addition to bigQ and AMCS Group, Molecular Quantum Solutions, Aarhus University, Kvantify, and NKT Photonics are also part of PhotoQ.