PsiQuantum, a private company based in Palo Alto, California, has been awarded a contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to continue its work on the Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program. The program seeks to evaluate whether underexplored approaches to quantum computing, like PsiQuantum’s photonic approach, can achieve utility-scale operation faster than conventional predictions.
In the initial phase of the program, PsiQuantum collaborated with a team of experts from various government institutions to verify the company’s technology and assess the potential of the photonic approach for building a fault-tolerant quantum computer on a utility scale. After a year-long diligence effort, DARPA concluded that PsiQuantum’s photonic approach is deserving of further development under the US2QC program.
While most commercial quantum computing efforts have focused on matter-based approaches, the photonic approach has been relatively underexplored in the United States. However, it has unique advantages in addressing technical challenges related to scale and error correction.
As the US2QC program progresses, PsiQuantum will now focus on designing a fault-tolerant prototype for a Utility-Scale Quantum Computer. The aim is to demonstrate that the computer can be constructed and operated as intended. PsiQuantum will also work towards achieving intermediate milestones to deliver a fully fault-tolerant quantum computer in the shortest time possible.
PsiQuantum’s CEO, Jeremy O’Brien, emphasizes the company’s dedication to building and deploying the world’s first large-scale quantum computer. He expresses gratitude for the third-party scrutiny of their technology and welcomes the collaboration with DARPA and other partners across the U.S. Government.
Dr. Joe Altepeter, the US2QC program manager at DARPA, acknowledges the progress made by multiple researchers in developing plausible paths to utility-scale quantum systems. He highlights the importance of exploring these technologies to create quantum computers with scientific and industrial utility.
PsiQuantum, established in 2015, recognizes the need for larger quantum computing systems to unlock transformative applications in various fields such as drug discovery, climate technologies, finance, transportation, and security. The company’s photonic approach enables rapid scaling through high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and cryogenic infrastructure. PsiQuantum has partnerships with the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Sci-Tech Daresbury to further support its research and development efforts.
In conclusion, the US2QC program offers an exciting opportunity to explore alternative approaches to quantum computing, with the aim of realizing utility-scale operation in a faster timeframe. The collaboration between PsiQuantum and DARPA, along with other government institutions, signifies a proactive effort to drive innovation in the field of quantum computing and progress towards the deployment of practical and impactful quantum technologies.