Groundbreaking Achievement: High-Performance Computing Analyzes Quantum Photonics on a Large Scale for the First Time
Researchers at Paderborn University in Germany have developed high-performance computing (HPC) software capable of analyzing and describing the quantum states of a photonic quantum detector.
HPC utilizes advanced classical computers to handle large datasets, conduct complex calculations, and swiftly tackle challenging problems. However, many classical computational methods cannot be directly applied to quantum applications. This new study indicates that HPC may offer valuable tools for quantum tomography, the technique employed to ascertain the quantum state of a quantum system.
In their study, the researchers state, “By developing customized open-source algorithms using high-performance computing, we have performed quantum tomography on a photonic quantum detector at a mega-scale.”
HPC enables mega-scale quantum tomography
A quantum photonic detector is a sophisticated instrument designed to detect and measure individual light particles (photons). Highly sensitive, it can collect detailed information about various properties of photons, including their energy levels and polarization. This data is invaluable for quantum research, experiments, and technologies.
Accurately determining the quantum state of the photonic detector is crucial for achieving precise measurements. However, the process of performing quantum tomography on such an advanced tool requires handling large volumes of data.
This is where the newly developed HPC software comes into play. To showcase its capabilities, the researchers stated, “We performed quantum tomography on a megascale quantum photonic detector covering a Hilbert space of .”
Hilbert space is a mathematical concept that describes a multi-dimensional space where each point represents a possible state of a quantum system. It includes an inner product for calculating distances and angles between states, which is essential for understanding concepts such as probability and superposition. These spaces can possess infinite dimensions, representing a wide array of potential states.
With the HPC software, the researchers successfully “completed calculations that described the quantum photonic detector within a few minutes—faster than anyone else before,” they added.
Classical Computing Breakthroughs Spark New Advances in Quantum Technology
This optimization enables them to manage and reconstruct quantum systems with up to elements. “This demonstrates the unprecedented extent to which this tool can be applied to quantum photonic systems,” said Timon Schapeler, the first author of the study and a research scientist at Paderborn University.
“As far as we know, our work is the first contribution in the field of classical high-performance computing that facilitates experimental quantum photonics on a large scale,” Schapeler added.
The HPC-driven quantum tomography approach holds promise for advancing more efficient data processing, quantum measurement, and communication technologies in the future.
The study is published in the journal Quantum Science and Technology.
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