David Rivas, CTO at Rigetti Computing and an expert in quantum technology, offers insights into the fascinating world of quantum computing. He discusses the differences between classical and quantum systems, explaining qubits and their exceptional capabilities. The conversation dives into Rigetti's innovations, including hybrid quantum-classical systems and advancements in quantum programming languages. Rivas also shares future milestones, highlighting the journey towards fault-tolerant computing and the integration of quantum technology with classical systems.
Quantum computing represents a monumental shift from classical computation by utilizing qubits that can exist in multiple states simultaneously through superposition and entanglement.
Rigetti Computing focuses on making quantum technology accessible by developing hybrid quantum-classical systems alongside specialized quantum processors and advanced software for effective quantum programming.
The future of quantum computing is promising with goals of achieving higher qubit counts and improved error correction to unlock significant advancements in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and materials science.
Deep dives
Exploring the World of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing represents a significant shift in the approach to computation, diverging from traditional binary systems. Unlike classical computing, which relies on electronic circuits and bits to perform operations, quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics, including superposition and entanglement. Superposition allows quantum bits, or qubits, to exist in multiple states at once, providing a vast computational space, while entanglement facilitates complex interdependencies between qubits. This framework enables quantum computers to perform specific calculations much faster than classical counterparts, opening the door to advancements in areas like cryptography, optimization, and material science.
The Role of Rigetti Computing
Rigetti Computing, founded in 2013, is dedicated to making quantum computing accessible through the development of quantum processors and hybrid systems combining quantum and classical computing. The company operates a unique captive quantum fabrication (fab) facility to produce superconducting qubits, which require extremely low temperatures to function. David Rivas, the CTO, emphasizes the integration of software and hardware expertise essential for the engineering teams tasked with creating effective quantum systems. The company’s full-stack approach ensures that rigorous development occurs across the hardware, control systems, and software layers, thereby addressing the challenges in building practical quantum computers.
Programming Quantum Computers
Writing software for quantum computers presents unique challenges, differing from classical programming paradigms. Quantum programming involves specialized languages, such as Quill, which allows developers to define quantum operations and pulse sequences necessary for manipulating qubits. As qubits cannot be read without collapsing their state, quantum programming requires a deep understanding of quantum mechanics and mathematics to effectively map problems onto suitable algorithms. The integration of classical programming with quantum computing creates a hybrid model, where classical systems manage quantum operations, resembling the complexity faced in programming GPUs.
Emerging Applications of Quantum Computing
The potential applications of quantum computing span a wide range of fields due to their capability to model complex systems more accurately than classical computers. Current research includes enhancing machine learning algorithms, tackling optimization problems, and performing detailed simulations of quantum processes. Quantum computing's stochastic nature enables the generation of unique distributions, which can be utilized in machine learning training, especially in scenarios involving rare event detection. As the technology advances, especially with improved error rates and higher qubit counts, significant breakthroughs are anticipated in fields like pharmaceutical research and advanced materials design.
Path Forward and Future Prospects
The roadmap for quantum computing technology includes reaching higher qubit counts and achieving improved error correction, which are critical for realizing practical applications. Expectations suggest that Rigetti Computing will deliver systems with over 100 qubits soon, with future milestones targeting 1,000 qubits within a few years, accompanied by low error rates. Ongoing discussions in the industry also focus on integrating quantum systems into existing supercomputing infrastructures, providing a hybrid approach for future computational needs. While the explicit timeline for quantum advantage remains uncertain, the excitement over uncharted territories in computational capability continues to grow among researchers and practitioners.
Rigetti Computing is an American company specializing in quantum computing, founded in 2013. The company develops quantum processors and hybrid quantum-classical computing systems, and aims to make quantum computing more accessible for research and commercial applications.
David Rivas is the CTO at Rigetti Computing. He joins the podcast with Kevin Ball to talk about the company, the fundamentals of quantum computing, the state of the technology, and where we’re headed.
Kevin Ball or KBall, is the vice president of engineering at Mento and an independent coach for engineers and engineering leaders. He co-founded and served as CTO for two companies, founded the San Diego JavaScript meetup, and organizes the AI inaction discussion group through Latent Space.