Japan Launches First Hybrid Supercomputer Combining Classical and Quantum Computing

Japan has launched the first hybrid supercomputer, combining the immense capabilities of Fugaku, currently the sixth-fastest supercomputer in the world, with Reimei, a 20-qubit quantum computer.

This hybrid platform leverages both classical and quantum computing power to tackle complex challenges. Fugaku handles traditional heavy-duty operations, while Reimei performs certain types of calculations much faster than traditional computers, such as those required for simulation tasks, designing new materials, developing treatments, and many calculations needed for physics and chemistry research.

Reimei stands out from many other quantum computers by using trapped ion qubits, instead of the more common superconducting qubits. This technology involves isolating charged atoms, or ions, within an electromagnetic field known as an ion trap, and then using lasers to control their quantum states. This method offers distinctive advantages in terms of quantum bit stability and coherence.

Reimei also uses the concept of logical qubits. Instead of a single physical qubit representing a unit of information, a group of physical qubits work together to represent a single logical qubit. This redundancy greatly reduces errors, as information is distributed across multiple physical qubits, so even if some physical qubits encounter errors, the overall computation remains protected, ensuring greater accuracy and reliability.

This hybrid model represents an important step forward in harnessing the potential of quantum technology, providing a practical path to benefit from it without fully relying on it until it reaches full maturity and reliability.