Quantum Brilliance Launches First Room-Temperature QPUs at ORNL

Quantum Brilliance has achieved a significant milestone with the installation of its first on-site quantum computer cluster at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This installation features the Quantum Development Kit (QDK), a hybrid platform designed to integrate quantum processing units (QPUs) into classical high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The system, which operates at room temperature, represents a notable advancement in quantum computing technology and accessibility.

The Quantum Development Kit Explained

According to Andreas Sawadsky, the technology and innovation manager at Quantum Brilliance, the QDK combines a quantum processing unit with traditional GPU and CPU components, enabling a seamless integration for parallel and hybrid workflows. Each QPU in this system comprises two qubits, marking the first time multiple QPUs have been deployed in a parallelized cluster within an HPC setting. This integration not only showcases the capabilities of Quantum Brilliance’s technology but also positions ORNL as a leader in hybrid computing.

Sawadsky noted that while this is Quantum Brilliance’s inaugural deployment in the United States, it follows their successful installation at the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre in Perth, Australia, in 2022. That project was significant as it represented the world’s first on-premise integration of a QPU into an HPC environment. The latest installation at ORNL underscores the company’s commitment to advancing quantum technology in collaboration with premier research institutions.

Innovative Technology Behind Quantum Brilliance

At the core of Quantum Brilliance’s QPUs are nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres embedded in diamond. These atomic-scale defects, where a nitrogen atom is adjacent to a vacant lattice site, function as the qubits essential for quantum information processing. This approach allows for manipulation of qubits using laser light and microwave pulses, enabling the execution of complex quantum algorithms.

A significant advantage of this technology is its ability to operate at room temperature. Many qubit technologies rely on extreme cooling to mitigate decoherence caused by heat and electromagnetic noise. In contrast, the diamond-based QPUs maintain stability without the need for costly cryogenic systems. As Sawadsky explained, the hardness of diamond prevents thermal vibrations that typically disrupt qubit coherence, allowing the NV centres to achieve an environment comparable to conditions found in cryogenic systems.

The compact design of Quantum Brilliance’s QPUs also facilitates their deployment in real-world applications, such as data centres and edge devices. The company aims to create a quantum computing solution that is both practical and scalable, with a vision of portable and power-efficient quantum technology accessible in various environments.

Setting a New Standard in Quantum Computing

Quantum Brilliance differentiates itself from competitors by emphasizing practical utility within HPC environments. The company’s goal is to develop QPUs capable of outperforming classical systems of similar size and energy consumption, such as GPUs. This focus on real-world applicability is central to their mission of making quantum technology widely accessible.

The deployment at ORNL will explore the potential for clusters of QPUs to scale similarly to classical accelerators. If a single QPU can surpass a single GPU in specific tasks, the expectation is that a cluster of 100 QPUs will outpace a cluster of 100 GPUs. This architecture is designed to support extensive parallelization and hybridization, paving the way for enhanced computational capabilities.

In a nod to its Australian roots, the Quantum Brilliance installation team has named the quantum cluster “Quoll,” after the native marsupial. This choice reflects the company’s playful spirit and innovative approach to quantum computing. With operations in both Australia and Germany, Quantum Brilliance continues to attract top talent and form international partnerships, expanding its influence across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.

As Quantum Brilliance progresses, it stands at the forefront of integrating quantum technology into everyday computing systems, striving to make quantum computing a standard feature rather than an experimental novelty. The company’s advancements are set to significantly impact the future of high-performance computing and beyond.