Quantum Programs at IARPA
As part of its mission to address some of the most difficult challenges in the Intelligence Community by investing in high-risk, high-payoff research, IARPA sponsors several applied research programs that explore the potential and possibilities in quantum computing. Current and previous quantum computing programs include:
Coherent Superconducting Qubits (CSQ), which is designed to demonstrate a reproducible, ten-fold increase in coherence times in superconducting qubits;
Logical Qubits (LogiQ), which aims to build the first logical qubit;
Multi-Qubit Coherent Operations (MQCO), which is working to develop the foundation of an error-free quantum computer;
Quantum Computer Science (QCS), which developed the world’s first high-level quantum programming language and compilers; and
Quantum Enhanced Optimization (QEO), which seeks to harness quantum effects required to enhance quantum annealing solutions to hard combinatorial optimization problems.
Quantum Computer Science (QCS)
Quantum computing holds great promise for solving important classically intractable computational problems. Ongoing work in theoretical and experimental physics continues to make advances in a number of technologies that might one day underlay a quantum information processor. Relatively little investment has been made in exploring the computer science side of quantum information science (QIS) even though the challenges that quantum computing poses to the world of computer science are on a par with the challenges posed to the world of physics.
The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Quantum Computer Science (QCS) Program explores questions relating to the computational resources required to run quantum algorithms on realistic quantum computers.
Any implementation of a quantum algorithm requires not only programming the algorithm at a logical level but also the incorporation of error correction and control schemes at the physical level, and resource estimation must account for all of these factors. The QCS program is developing a tool chain to study these issues throughout the computing process.
The tools will include an integrated development environment for the quantum programming languages already developed by the program, compilers to generate logical circuits, and tools for analyzing quantum error correction and control protocols. Through its research QCS will build a foundation for measuring and reducing the resources required to program and implement complex quantum algorithms of realistic size.
Source: https://www.iarpa.gov/index.php/research-programs/qcs
Quantum computers are in theory capable of simulating the interactions of molecules at a level of detail far beyond the capabilities of even the largest supercomputers today. Such simulations could revolutionize chemistry, biology and materials science, but the development of quantum computers has been limited by the ability to increase the number of quantum bits, or qubits, that encode, store and access large amounts of data.
In a paper published in the Journal of Applied Physics, a team of researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and Honeywell International have demonstrated a new device that allows more electrodes to be placed on a chip – an important step that could help increase qubit densities and bring us one step closer to a quantum computer that can simulate molecules or perform other algorithms of interest. This work was funded by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA).
Source: https://www.iarpa.gov/index.php/newsroom/iarpa-in-the-news/2015/509-new-chip-architecture-may-provide-foundation-for-quantum-computer?highlight=WyJxdWFudHVtIiwiY29tcHV0ZXIiLCJjb21wdXRlcidzIiwicXVhbnR1bSBjb21wdXRlciJd
Coherent Superconducting Qubits (CSQ)
The goal of the CSQ program is to demonstrate a reproducible, ten-fold increase in coherence times in superconducting qubits. To achieve this goal, researchers are focused on developing 1) fundamental understanding of defects that currently limit coherence times (T1 and T2) and readout fidelity; 2) means to characterize, measure and definitively discriminate between separate defect mechanisms contributing to loss and dephasing; and 3) novel designs, materials and fabrication methods to eliminate these defects.
Logical Qubits (LogiQ)
The LogiQ Program seeks to overcome the limitations of current multi-qubit systems by building a logical qubit from a number of imperfect physical qubits. LogiQ envisions that program success will require a multi-disciplinary approach that increases the fidelity of quantum gates, state preparation, and qubit readout; improves classical control; implements active quantum feedback; has the ability to reset and reuse qubits; and performs further system improvements.
Additionally, LogiQ seeks a modular architecture design of two coupled logical qubits that creates a flexible and feasible path to larger systems. Modular designs facilitate the incorporation of next-generation advances with minimal constraints, while maintaining or improving performance.
Multi-Qubit Coherent Operations (MQCO)
The Multi-Qubit Coherent Operations Program aims to resolve the technical challenges involved in fabricating and operating multiple qubits in close proximity. The main themes of the program include qubit fabrication and yield; cross talk within the multi-qubit system; incorporation of the controls necessary to operate multiple qubits; coupling qubits to generate a universal gate set for quantum operations; and minimizing the overall system footprint. The program is comprised of different technologies including atomic and solid state based qubits. The end goal of the program is to execute quantum algorithms using multiple qubits and to evaluate the performance using a metric that can scale to higher qubit numbers.