Kvasi CSC acquires quantum computing simulator

Atos Quantum Learning Machine. Photo: Atos.

Kvasi — CSC acquires quantum computing simulator

The selection of services at CSC is soon augmented by a quantum computing simulator, capable of simulating algorithms for quantum computers of up to 30 qubits. With the quantum computing simulator, Finnish researchers can learn how to use quantum algorithms and develop new ones. The quantum simulator gives the Finnish science and research community the means to prepare for the upcoming era of quantum computing.

Compared to ordinary computers, quantum computers behave very differently, revolutionizing scientific computing. Instead of ordinary bits, the basic units of quantum computers are quantum bits, qubits. Thus, the basic unit of computation is not restricted to only two values, zero or one. In quantum computing, the value of the qubit can be both one and zero simultaneously, that is, in a superposition of two states.

In addition to the superposition of states, quantum computing exploits the quantum phenomenon of entanglement. Entangled states are connected, so that measuring the value of one qubit immediately fixes the value of another. Together, the two quantum phenomena enable the solution of certain computational problems significantly faster than present-day supercomputers. Applications suitable for quantum computers have been proposed in several fields, from traffic optimization to quantum chemistry, from finance modelling to the logistics of space programs, from machine learning to neurosciences.

The quantum simulator enables exploration and design of quantum algorithms

Quantum computers differ from their classical counterparts also when it comes to the basic computational operators. Before they can be utilized, quantum computers require tailor-made programs and algorithms.

CSC’s customers of computing services can soon try out existing quantum algorithms and develop new ones on a quantum computer simulator. The service selection of CSC will be augmented by Kvasi, a quantum computation simulator based on the Atos Quantum Learning Machine. Kvasi enables the simulation of algorithms on quantum computers of up to 30 qubits. Kvasi also accounts for the physical limitations of quantum computing, by modelling the detrimental effects of external noise on the calculation. Thus, Kvasi can, for example, be used for maximizing the noise-resilience of algorithms.

In order for the transition to the new computational paradigm to be as smooth as possible, Kvasi offers a graphical user interface for the design of quantum algorithms and gates. A command line is also available.

Kvasi further diversifies the national data and computing environment (DL2021) of CSC. For the Finnish science and research community, the quantum simulator enables learning and design of quantum algorithms. All customers of CSCs computing services will have access to Kvasi.

The basics of quantum computing are explained in the CSC webinar What is Quantum Computing?

Customer training on the use of the quantum computer simulator and programming of quantum computers will be organized later this year.

Kvasi the quantum simulator is in its installation phase, and the service will be opened in the near future.

For additional information, contact technology strategist Mikael Johansson, mikael.johansson at csc.fi, +358407526291.

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Mikael Johansson