- Status: Project phase
Background
Quantum computers are expected to revolutionize computing in the foreseeable future, as they could solve many problems faster than a conventional computer can. This is made possible by quantum mechanical properties and effects, e.g. entanglement and interference.
This results in enormous application potential, from machine learning to simulations of very complex systems. However, many applications require a large number of connected qubits, depending on the physical properties of the quantum processor. Effective utilisation of the applications is therefore only expected in five to ten years’ time.
Aim
The “Mobile quantum computer” research program aims to investigate the aspects of location independence and rapid deployability with a view to application scenarios in the fields of security and defense. Parameters such as size, weight and energy consumption are to be considered at an early stage. Until now, these factors have hardly played a role in research into these overall systems – including the peripheral devices. The aim of the program is to obtain a mobile and simultaneously efficient system.
Disruptive Risk Research
The realisation of a powerful, deployable quantum computer that requires as few physicists or engineers as possible to operate is new. These properties pose a particular challenge to the hardware and software for several quantum computer approaches. The quantum computer developed here should at least correspond to the state of the art at the end of the project, but ideally be better. In particular, the peripherals developed in the process should create a basis for being able to quickly implement future improvements in quantum computing.
The production of the qubits, as well as their connection, requires different, but always highly complex and complicated processes for the construction of the actual quantum processors, depending on the platform. Structural manipulations on an atomic scale are often necessary. The efficient production of powerful, easily controllable and at the same time mobile and compact quantum processors, including all associated devices, is always a challenge.