Fujitsu collaborates to make practical quantum computing a reality

Author: EIS Release Date: Oct 23, 2020


Fujitsu has joined with Riken and  the universities of Tokyo, Osaka and Delft to make practical quantum computing a reality.


1. The collaboration  aims to achieve comprehensive and efficient advances in quantum computing by applying quantum computing to various fields currently facing problems that are extremely difficult to solve.
2. Currently, even using superconducting chips which are leading the way in quantum computing, systems remain limited to about 50-qubits, making it difficult for them to perform useful calculations.
3. In order to improve performance, various technological improvements are required at the hardware level; this includes such measures as augmenting the number of qubits, increasing the time that quantum bit information is held (coherent time), and improving control systems.

In addition, experts anticipate technological innovations in the software field, including the development of algorithms that can make useful calculations even in a short coherent time.

Research project with Riken and the University of TokyoFujitsu will conduct research on superconducting quantum computers, which are currently regarded as the most promising type, with Riken and the University of Tokyo, both of which have strengths in superconducting qubit technology. Through a comprehensive undertaking of quantum computing systems covering quantum devices, and electronic control units and software, Fujitsu aims to bring about computer systems that can work in a complementarily fashion with conventional computers.

Research project with TU DelftFujitsu will conduct fundamental research and development of quantum computers using diamond-based spin qubits with TU Delft, which has strengths in such qubit technology. Such qubits are formed at defects, which can be created by introducing impurity atoms into diamond. A diamond NV centre is an example of the defects. This method, where the qubit state can be accessed by light, may be suitable for achieving a large-scale system. This is due to the fact that gate-operations between distant qubits avoid cross-talk noise from other qubits, and the size of refrigeration units for cooling qubits is expected to be small because the quantum states of diamond-based spin qubits can be stable at higher temperatures than most competing platforms. In addition to the development of devices and control systems, the possibility of novel error-correction codes using a new qubit coupling topology will also be explored. The research will be conducted at QuTech, a leading Quantum Technology insti
tute and cooperation of TU Delft and TNO (the Netherlands organization for applied scientific research).

Research project with Osaka UniversityResearch and development of quantum algorithms will be conducted with the Graduate School of Engineering Science at Osaka University, which is strong in the theoretical field of quantum computing. In addition to algorithms for applications, Fujitsu will conduct research on error-correction technologies needed to achieve fault-tolerant quantum computing.

In addition to these R & D activities, Fujitsu also began collaborative research on quantum algorithms using error suppression technologies with Quantum Benchmark in April 2020, with the aim of developing useful applications on small-scale quantum computers.

Figure: Technological Layers of Quantum Computing and Areas of CollaborationFigure: Technological Layers of Quantum Computing and Areas of Collaboration

Fujitsu will work with these research institutions and others to promote research for achieving practical quantum computing over the medium to long term. The focus will be on solving societal problems by applying quantum computing to the fields of drug discovery, materials, and finance.