127-Qubit Quantum Processor
Eagle, a 127-qubit quantum processor, was introduced by IBM Quantum. Eagle has introduced a quantum processor that has enabled us to surpass the 100-qubit barrier, ushering in a new age of quantum computing. IBM believe that with Eagle, IBM’s users will be able to witness a significant turning point in the development of useful quantum computation and venture into unknown computational territory.
In IBM’s opinion, Eagle represents a significant advancement in computing technology. The amount of memory space needed to perform algorithms for a conventional computer to accurately emulate quantum circuits doubles with each extra qubit as quantum processors get bigger. As this growth in spatial complexity takes us into a region beyond the capabilities of conventional computers, IBM hope to see quantum computers deliver practical benefits across sectors. IBM intend to keep providing the community with early and frequent access to IBM’s greatest quantum hardware as this revolution unfolds. With this strategy, IBM and their users may collaborate to determine the most effective way to investigate and advance these systems in order to quickly get a quantum advantage.
IBM couldn’t build a CPU that surpasses the hundred-qubit barrier in a single day. For many years, scientists have hypothesised that a computer that uses quantum mechanics the same equations used to describe subatomic particles could simulate nature more accurately than traditional computers. It is quite difficult to create one of these gadgets, though. Even the smallest prod from the external environment can cause qubits to decohere or forget their quantum information. Because of IBM’s history of developing novel research, investing in fundamental hardware technologies, including techniques for dependable semiconductor production and packaging, and introducing emerging products to the market, IBM were able to produce Eagle on IBM’s tight timeframe.
On IBM Quantum Roadmap, Eagle’s qubit count achievement marks a significant turning point. Eagle shows how IBM’s team is overcoming obstacles in both hardware and software in order to eventually create a quantum computer that can solve real-world issues in a variety of industries, including banking and renewable energy.
Quantum computation at scale
Scalable quantum computation IBM’s 65-qubit Hummingbird processor has almost twice as many qubits as IBM Quantum’s Eagle processors, but creating anything larger requires more effort than simply adding more qubits. In order to create a processor architecture, IBM has to combine and enhance methods from earlier iterations of IBM Quantum processors. One such method was the use of sophisticated 3D packaging techniques, which IBM is certain can serve as the foundation for processors up to and including IBM’s anticipated 1,000+ qubit Condor processor.
Eagle is based on IBM’s heavy-hexagonal qubit architecture, which was first introduced with IBM’s Falcon processor. In this arrangement, qubits connect to two or three neighbours, seeming to be perched on the corners and edges of tessellated hexagons. This specific link significantly increased the yield of functional processors by reducing the possibility of mistakes resulting from interactions between nearby qubits.
As seen in IBM’s Hummingbird R2, Eagle also uses readout multiplexing. Each qubit in earlier processors needed its own set of control and readout circuitry; this is doable for a few dozen qubits, but would be extremely large for processors with 100 or more qubits, let alone 1,000 or more. IBM can significantly cut down on the amount of cables and electronics needed within the dilution refrigerator by using readout multiplexing.
Most significantly, Eagle provides scalable access connectivity to all qubits by leveraging IBM’s historical knowledge in the manufacture of classical processors.
IBM must route a tangle of wire outward to the margins of quantum computers. Nevertheless, IBM may position certain wire and microwave circuit components on several physical levels with 3D integration. Multi-level wiring and other components offer the methods that enable the road towards Condor, with little effect on the performance of individual qubits, even if packing qubits is still one of the biggest obstacles for future quantum computers.
There is still work to be done. One of the three criteria IBM use to assess a quantum processor’s performance is its scale. IBM also need to test IBM’s processors’ Quantum Volume and Circuit Layer Operations Per Second (CLOPS) in order to keep improving their quality and speed.
A concept of modularity: IBM Quantum System Two
IBM anticipate that their chips will develop beyond IBM Quantum System One’s infrastructure as IBM continue to scale them. Thus, IBM presents the IBM Quantum System Two, a concept for the next generation of quantum computing platforms.
Modularity will be a key component of IBM Quantum System Two. This method gives IBM’s hardware the flexibility it needs to keep growing the size of their chips. As IBM go forward with their hardware roadmap, the team is using a holistic systems approach to determine what resources are needed to support not only IBM’s planned Osprey and Condor processors but also quantum processors in the future.
System Two offers higher-density cryogenic components and cabling together with a new generation of scalable qubit control circuits. Additionally, IBM is reimagining the cryogenic platform in collaboration with Bluefors. Engineers can easily access and maintain the hardware within the refrigerator with Bluefors’ innovative structural design and new cryogenic platform, which maximises space inside the refrigerator to handle the additional support gear needed by bigger CPUs.
By offering a wider shared cryogenic workspace, this platform paves the way for the possible connection of quantum computers via innovative interconnects. In their opinion, System Two offers a preview of what a real quantum data centre would look like in the future.
The IBM Quantum team’s achievement of breaking the 100-qubit barrier is amazing, and IBM is excited to share Eagle and IBM’s other developments with the quantum computing community. As IBM move on with IBM Quantum plan, there will be more to come, including faster processors and maybe even faster quantum advantage pursuit with the aid of high-performance computing resources.