February 2023

AQT successfully demonstrates a Quantum Volume of 128 on its 19-inch rack-compatible Quantum Computer system PINE. This achievement sets the record for a universal quantum computer that is designed, built, and located in Austria. European quantum technologies move a step closer to solving our most difficult problems in areas such as chemistry or material design.

Several entities, both commercial and academic, are working on the realisation of quantum computers using notably different physical platforms which makes the assessment of a quantum computer challenging: does it have enough memory, for example, or is the error rate of the processor low enough? The quantum volume is currently one of the most commonly used benchmarks that provides an “all-in-one-number” statement of the overall capabilities of a quantum system. Three primary factors and complex calculations determine Quantum Volume: number of qubits, error rates, and connectivity of qubits.

AQT, an Austrian quantum computing start-up, has now achieved a new record in terms of quantum volume in Europe: a quantum volume of 128. This number is the highest number achieved in any European device.

AQT, an Austrian quantum computing start-up, has now achieved a new record in terms of quantum volume in Europe: a quantum volume of 128. This number is the highest number achieved in any European device.

This achievement comes on top of previous internationally recognised demonstrations employing AQT solutions, such as the University of Innsbruck using an AQT setup to realize the world-record on the largest number of qubits entangled, or the demonstration of fault-tolerant error correction.

The PINE system has been designed by AQT, and a first prototype was validated in the European Quantum Technology Flagship www.qt.eu activity AQTION www.aqtion.eu at the University of Innsbruck, with significant support by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). All components of the AQT quantum computer are engineered to fit within two 19-inch rack cabinets, compatible to existing HPC infrastructure and data centre installations. The system operates in a room temperature environment, and requires less than 2kW of power – which is about the consumption of an electric kettle.

Supported by the European Innovation Council, AQT will make this system available via the cloud to European and international researchers, public bodies, and industries. Selected partners have already used the system, implemented their ideas, and are now exploring novel applications on these Austrian quantum devices. Dr. Juris Ulmanis, leading the research activities at AQT, explains that “AQT solutions have been used as a testbed to investigate quantum benefits in the fields of chemistry, portfolio optimisation, risk analysis, quantum security and decryption.” Upcoming improvements and cloud accessibility will help to realize novel solutions in Europe.

© Photocredits: Dieter Kühl, Harald Ritsch