Nearly every industry has vested interest in the development of quantum computers, quantum networks and how they can positively impact their respective sectors of the economy. While the technology is in its infancy and relegated to the R&D space, we know the next step will be to figure out how to make the leap into the commercial sphere. Though quantum commercialization is a road untraveled, we can confidently say that we at least have a roadmap to guide us: the paths of classical computing and the Internet. As with the dawn of the desktop computer and Internet, we know that advancement in emerging tech requires access and scalability. To reach beyond the four walls of research labs and into the consumer marketplace, the industry will rely on distributed computing capabilities through both quantum data centers and the cloud-based services they will enable. It will be a slow process, and success will rely on a confluence of factors.
(Nearly) Instant Transmissions
A true quantum network is both fast and vast. The manipulation of data at the molecular level at the transmitting end directly affects the chip at the receiving end, essentially resulting in the teleportation of data. The fiber network that runs between the two ends acts as a fail-safe for any data lost during quantum transmission. This phenomenon, paired with the ultra-compact nature of qubits, allows for the movement of vast amounts of data very quickly.
Ultra-Secure Communications
By utilizing qubits and quantum states of particles, quantum networking establishes a connection between a sender and recipient only. These networks cannot be ‘tapped’ into, and any attempts of unauthorized access or security breaches are automatically detected, and transmissions are terminated. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)—and the even more secure Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)—will theoretically allow for the most secure communication in human history, which is why this form of communication is highly sought after by governmental and commercial entities alike.
Today’s Greatest Challenges to Commercializing QuantumTech
Like most emerging technology, quantum computer, communications and sensing come with various factors that will slow our ability to fully commercialize the industry, particularly early on.
Cost and Scalability
The leading developers of quantum computers simultaneously serve as manufacturers and R&D specialists, which makes for the build-out time of any single quantum computer a lengthy endeavor. And until the manufacturing of this hardware becomes more streamlined, cost will remain extremely high—an estimated $10-$15 million. Expense and lack of resources limit use to tech companies and research institutions. Like with classical computers, we believe that cost will likely decrease as technology becomes more accessible.
Limited connectivity
Quantum Corridor is one of very few quantum-capable fiber networks in the Western Hemisphere. Without reliable networks to transmit between labs and the quantum computers within, this advanced technology remains sequestered, and breakthroughs are limited to the computing power of each machine.
Seeking Greater Compatibility With Existing Tech
As we shift from one era to the next, we are faced with the challenge of integrating quantum technology with our current communications infrastructure. As QuEraComputing, Inc., CEO Alex Keesling points out, “The most effective use of quantum computers will be in conjunction with classical computers. Classical systems can handle tasks like data preparation, visualization and error correction, while quantum systems can tackle complex calculations.” Finding a way to effectively interface the two while ensuring the integrity of the quantum data will be critical.
Ideal Conditions Needed
Quantum computers require very particular conditions to function—near absolute zero temperatures, environments free from tectonic activity or other vibrations and expensive fiber, to name a few. These factors make access difficult and cost-prohibitive for most businesses and individuals currently.
So what is the fastest way to overcome these challenges and expedite the commercialization of this technology? The answer lies with distributed quantum computing through quantum networks. Quantum computing’s full potential will not be realized for some time. That potential will require hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of qubits. The most powerful quantum computers on earth—though groundbreaking—are just scratching the surface. This necessitates distributed computing, which is the connecting of multiple quantum and classical computers across a secure network for amplified capabilities in the near term.
This takes us back to our road map. Through data centers, cloud-based services give businesses and individuals access to supercomputers today. Similarly, such opportunities are emerging today for similar application with quantum technology. Data centers will be capable of taking on the array of conditions required of quantum technology—ample power and necessary hardware in a controlled environment—all while connecting quantum computers spread out across a given region. For the vast majority of businesses and individuals, cloud-based quantum access as a service will be their first foray into the technology.
Perhaps most notably, distributed quantum computing through quantum networks allows for collaboration between research institutions, tech leaders, governmental organizations and others, opening the door for expedited breakthroughs and advancements.
The potential of quantum computing is immense, but until quantum computers are linked across secure, high-speed quantum networks, advancements will be slower and commercialization will be non-existent. Distributed computing, with the help of data centers and cloud-based services, will curb limitations and get us to faster, more reliable and less expensive technology much sooner.
