Description: Quantum Volume is a metric that measures the capacity of a quantum computer to perform complex calculations. This concept is based on the idea that quantum computers, unlike classical ones, can process information exponentially more efficiently due to the superposition and entanglement of qubits. Quantum Volume not only considers the number of qubits but also the quality of quantum gates and the connectivity between qubits. This means that a quantum computer with a higher quantum volume can tackle more complex problems and perform calculations that would be practically impossible for classical computers. As quantum technology advances, Quantum Volume becomes a key indicator for assessing the performance and viability of different quantum architectures, as well as for comparing various quantum systems. In summary, Quantum Volume is essential for understanding the potential of quantum computing and its ability to transform various industries by efficiently and rapidly solving complex problems.
History: The concept of Quantum Volume was introduced by IBM in 2019 as a way to measure the performance of quantum computers. Prior to this, the scientific community used simpler metrics, such as the number of qubits, to assess the capacity of quantum computers. However, these metrics did not adequately reflect the complexity of the calculations they could perform. With Quantum Volume, IBM aimed to provide a more holistic measure that took into account not only the number of qubits but also the quality of quantum operations and the interconnection between them. Since its introduction, Quantum Volume has been adopted by other researchers and companies in the field of quantum computing as a standard for evaluating and comparing different quantum systems.
Uses: Quantum Volume is primarily used to evaluate the performance of quantum computers compared to classical ones. It allows researchers and developers to identify the capabilities of a specific quantum system and its suitability for solving complex problems in areas such as optimization, material simulation, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, Quantum Volume helps guide the development of new quantum architectures and improve the quality of qubits and quantum gates, which is crucial for advancing quantum computing.
Examples: An example of the use of Quantum Volume can be seen in IBM’s quantum systems, where they have reported increases in their Quantum Volume as they improve their technologies. In 2020, IBM announced that its quantum computer ‘Hummingbird’ had a Quantum Volume of 128, indicating a significant capacity for performing complex calculations. Another example is Google’s quantum system, which has also used Quantum Volume to demonstrate its capability in solving optimization and simulation problems.
