How it works?
Boson sampling is based on sampling the probability distribution obtained by sending a certain number of single photons through an optical interferometer with programmable beam-splitting gates.
The result is obtained by measuring the number of photons in each single-photon detector at the output of the system or, in systems with feedback loops, at successive time steps.
Features of photonic computers
Due to the parallel development of classical photonics – a well-developed industrial sector, quantum computers based on photonic technologies bring a number of highly desirable features, such as:
- ability to perform calculations at room temperature
- ease of maintenance and upgradeability
- low energy demand
- scalability through the ability to add additional modules
- possibility of integrating into hybrid architectures through quantum communication channels based on photonics and classical optical fibers
Applications of photonic computers
A quantum computer based on boson sampling is not a universal quantum computer. However, it does have a number of applications.
SELECTED APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:
- machine learning
- discrete optimization
- classification
- generation
- quantum optical memories
ORCA PT-1 systems at PCSS
As part of the EuroHPC PL project, two ORCA PT-1 photonic quantum computers were purchased for PSNC. Each computer has eight qumodes and seven programmable parameters in a single-loop system. Simultaneously with delivery, the computers also received an upgrade to a double-loop system and now feature 14 programmable parameters each.
One of the systems is ready for upgrade to a triple-loop installation. The hardware infrastructure of the quantum computer is complemented by the purchase of four auxiliary computing nodes.