Normally, the quantum computer in the lab at Chalmers in Gothenburg is cooled down to a temperature colder than in outer space.
Now it is held up after tests have been run and components are to be replaced.
That is one of the reasons why a copy of the quantum computer is now being built.
- When you are developing it further, there is no time for anyone other than us to have an opportunity to test the quantum computer and see what problems it can solve, says Per Delsing, professor of physics at Chalmers.
Will build a copy
Knut and Alice Wallenberg's foundation has donated 100 million to the copy and a support department to give Swedish companies and researchers the opportunity to test their problems on the supercomputer.
- We want to build competence in Sweden around quantum computers, and lower the thresholds for using quantum technology.
Multiple areas of use
The Chalmers researchers' quantum computer is expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2029, but it is already interesting to run quantum algorithms on it.
"Having a problem where you have a lot of possibilities, where you either want to reach the cheapest or fastest solution, is something a quantum computer is suited to solve," says Per Delsing.
The project has several partner companies and, according to Per Delsing, there is great use potential for the quantum computer in several different areas.
- Our quantum computer consists of a quantum system and can simulate molecules, and it can be used in, among other things, the pharmaceutical industry and the chemical industry.