The Russian government is paying more attention to the development of quantum computing. More than 300 scientists have been involved in the project in this industry and are expected to complete work on a prototype 16-qubit processor by 2023. This was announced on September 14 by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting dedicated to the development of this high-tech industry.
Recall that in 2019 Russia approved a roadmap for the development of quantum computing. And in 2020, under the leadership of the state corporation Rosatom, the National Quantum Laboratory was formed. In collaboration with the largest scientific universities and companies in the country, it is planned to create a prototype of a quantum processor with 30-100 qubits by 2024. Moreover, four platforms will be developed simultaneously: on superconductors, neutral atoms, ions and on photons. As reported, 14 leading Russian research centers of the country are working on the project together with Rosatom, including Moscow State University, Moscow Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Tech, Higher School of Economics, UNN. Lobachevsky, specialized institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).
One of the first results of this roadmap is the creation of a prototype 4-qubit ion quantum processor. It has already been achieved. On this prototype, “operations have already been demonstrated using a unique domestic technology – kudits, multi-level information carriers,” Dmitry Chernyshenko said. He stressed that “this is a unique technology that three countries in the world have, including Russia.”
Recall that a qubit (q-bit) is an analogue of a traditional computer processor bit. Only he is capable of more complex functions, in contrast to the simplest logistics operations subject to existing computers, such as analytics and conclusions. However, to create only one “working” qubit, it is necessary to fix the atom in a certain position, protect it from external influences, and connect it to another similar atom using a quantum bond. Scaling such processors is an extremely science-intensive task, the solution of which is being worked on by the best minds of many countries.
He stressed that the government, the Russian Academy of Sciences and universities “should work as a single mechanism in the matter of import substitution and the achievement of technological sovereignty.”
It is planned to allocate at least 100 billion rubles from the federal budget for the implementation of all agreements and the road map until 2025. At the same time, commercial organizations co-finance developments in no less volume than the state.
