Rigetti Computing, a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, has been awarded Phase 2 of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking Program. This program aims to develop benchmarks for quantum application performance on large-scale quantum computers. The award is worth up to $1.5 million and will span a three-year period, with completion expected in March 2025.
During Phase 1, Rigetti developed a resource estimation framework to understand the requirements of a superconducting quantum computing system for solving complex problems. Building on this success, Phase 2 will focus on refining and optimizing these estimates for selected utility-scale problems. Additionally, the goal is to create key metrics for fault tolerant quantum computing and determine the necessary quantum and classical resources to achieve critical performance thresholds.
One of the primary benefits of the resource estimation framework is its ability to conduct a cost benefit analysis. This analysis helps determine whether the resources required to run a quantum application are justified by the value of solving the specific problem. By estimating variables such as time, qubit count, and energy consumption, researchers can work towards developing optimized algorithms.
Phase 2 of the DARPA Benchmarking Program will heavily emphasize fault-tolerant quantum applications, such as dynamical chemistry simulations and modeling the dynamics of quantum systems. The collaboration with experts in these fields allows Rigetti to receive valuable feedback to improve both hardware and software performance of their quantum computers.
Ultimately, Rigetti’s research and development efforts will contribute to the advancement of fault tolerant quantum computing. By continuously refining their resource estimation framework and benchmarking quantum performance, Rigetti aims to solve some of humanity’s most pressing problems with the help of quantum computing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Program?
The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Program aims to develop benchmarks for quantum application performance on large-scale quantum computers and establish metrics for fault tolerant quantum computing.
What is the resource estimation framework developed by Rigetti?
Rigetti has developed a resource estimation framework to analyze the requirements of a superconducting quantum computing system for solving complex problems. This framework helps estimate variables such as time, qubit count, and energy consumption.
What is the goal of Phase 2 of the DARPA Benchmarking Program?
Phase 2 focuses on refining and optimizing the resource estimation framework for selected utility-scale problems. It also aims to create benchmarks for fault tolerant quantum computing and determine the necessary quantum and classical resources to achieve critical performance thresholds.
What are the areas of research in Phase 2?
Phase 2 will heavily focus on fault-tolerant quantum applications, including dynamical chemistry simulations and modeling the dynamics of quantum systems.
How will Rigetti’s research contribute to solving important problems?
By continuously improving their resource estimation framework and benchmarking quantum performance, Rigetti aims to develop fault tolerant quantum computers capable of solving some of humanity’s most pressing problems.