Types of Quantum Computing Technology

The following are the types of quantum computing technologies −

Gate-based Ion Trap Processors

A gate-based quantum computer is a machine that processes input data by applying a specific unitary operation to it. The operation is generally represented by a quantum circuit and corresponds to gate operations in classical electronics. Yet, quantum gates are totally divergent from electronic gates.

Trapped ion quantum computers use the electronic states of charged atoms, known as ions, to represent qubits. The ions are trapped and suspended above the microfabricated trap by means of electromagnetic fields. Trapped-ion systems use lasers to manipulate the electronic state of the ion, thereby applying quantum gates. Trapped ion qubits utilize naturally occurring atoms instead of creating qubits synthetically.

Gate-based Superconducting Processors

Superconductivity describes a group of physical behaviors found in specific materials, like helium and mercury, when they are subjected to very low temperatures. For these materials, a particular critical temperature is reached where electrical resistance becomes zero and magnetic fields are expelled. An electric current circulating in a superconducting wire loop can remain indefinitely without needing an external power source.

Superconducting quantum computing refers to the use of superconducting electronic circuits to create and operate a quantum computer. Superconducting qubits are designed using superconducting circuits that function at very low temperatures.

Photonic Processors

A quantum photonic processor carries out computations using light. It utilizes quantum light sources to produce squeezed-light pulses, where qubits are represented by continuous variables such as position or momentum.

Neutral Atom Processors

Neutral atom qubit technology is similar to trapped ion technology but uses light to trap and position the qubits instead of electromagnetic forces.

Since these atoms are uncharged, the systems can operate at room temperature.

Rydberg Atom Processors

A Rydberg atom is an atom with electrons that are generally much farther from the nucleus than usual.

These atoms have distinctive characteristics, such as heightened sensitivity to electric and magnetic fields and a long lifespan.

When used as qubits, Rydberg atoms provide powerful and adjustable atomic interactions that can be finely tuned by choosing different states.

Quantum Annealers

Quantum annealing helps guide qubits in a quantum system to their lowest energy state. The setup of the system is then carefully adjusted to reflect the problem being solved. when compared with classical quantum computers quantum annealers can handle many more qubits.

Trapped Ion Quantum Computers

Trapped ion quantum computers work by using the electronic states of charged atoms, or ions, as qubits. These ions are held in position using electromagnetic fields.

Lasers are used to manipulate quantum gates, which modify the ions' electronic states. These systems make use of naturally occurring atoms rather than artificially created qubits.

Superconducting Quantum Computing

Superconducting quantum computing builds a quantum computer using circuits that are superconducting.