Scientists from Moscow University and the Russian Quantum Center have developed the country’s first prototype of a 50-qubit quantum computer. It was tested on December 19, according to the MSU website.
The prototype is based on single neutral rubidium atoms, which are captured by optical tweezers—focused laser beams. A qubit is encoded in the internal degrees of freedom of this single atom.
“Our prototype is an optical table, most of which is occupied by the laser system. It is used for cooling and controlling the states of atoms and creating an array of optical tweezers. The system features ultra-high vacuum and optical access. In it, we create a magneto-optical trap, capturing atoms from rubidium vapors and cooling them with a laser. Then, from the cold gas cloud, we capture single atoms in focused optical microtraps,” commented Stanislav Straupe, head of the quantum computing sector at the Center for Quantum Technologies, Faculty of Physics, MSU.
At the current stage, scientists can create quantum registers from 50 atoms arranged in an ordered array, perform single-qubit operations with an accuracy of over 0.998, and execute entangling two-qubit processes with an accuracy of over 0.9.
Researchers are exploring ways to transition from tens of qubits to hundreds or even thousands. The project is being developed under the Russian government’s 2020 roadmap for advancing the high-tech field of “Quantum Computing.”
Earlier in December, Russian developer Seamless created an AI tool for traders that prohibits opening trades during emotional upheavals.
In the same month, a virtual AI-based assistant for psychologists was developed in Russia, doubling productivity, service quality, and revenue.