Simulating a quantum machine for a twentieth of the computing bill

Before engineers can build better quantum computers, they need to test designs — and simulating a photonic quantum device, one that works with particles of light, can demand supercomputer-scale effort. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have built an algorithm that does the same job with about 5% of the computing power previously required — roughly a twentieth. In tests involving Gaussian boson sampling, a benchmark task for photonic machines, ordinary classical computers running the new method matched what once needed far larger facilities. 'Our work has contributed significant improvements in memory use, running time and energy costs,' said Dr Raul Garcia-Patron Sanchez of the School of Informatics — 'making mainstream what was before only accessible to a handful of facilities in the world.' Cheaper simulation means more labs can check designs before anyone builds them.

SDG 9 · Industry, innovation and infrastructure — Mechanism: tech innovation