Google has announced the launch of an academic research program offering grants of up to $150,000 for projects focusing on quantum transduction and networking for scalable computing applications. This initiative is part of Google’s Quantum AI team’s efforts to develop superconducting qubit platforms that aim to enhance the robustness, cost-effectiveness, and performance of data centers through distributed quantum computing. By shifting to distributed quantum computing, Google aims to achieve greater modularity and design robustness while reducing cryogenics and control wiring requirements.
The company’s experience in modular computing serves as the foundation for its quantum technology advancement. Google is seeking proposals from academic researchers to investigate quantum transduction and networking, with the possibility of larger grants for exceptional experimental projects. The transition to distributed quantum systems offers advantages in design modularity and robustness while minimizing cryogenics and control wiring needs. The ability to process quantum data directly from its source could lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and shape the future development of Google’s quantum devices.
Despite the potential benefits, challenges remain in achieving high-fidelity information transfer between superconducting qubits and optical photons, known as transduction. Research efforts to enhance this technology are critical to advancing distributed quantum computing beyond its current capabilities. Google aims to leverage the principles of modular computing to create more efficient and scalable quantum systems, applicable to various network configurations from local to global scales.
Distributed quantum computing within data centers offers the advantage of greater modularity, leading to a more robust system design and reduced risk of widespread failures. This approach also addresses the complex requirements of cryogenics and control wiring, which are significant barriers to quantum computing development. The direct processing of quantum data from its source has the potential to drive significant scientific discoveries and improve our understanding of the universe.
Google is soliciting proposals that focus on addressing challenges in quantum transduction, such as transferring information between different media like superconducting qubits and optical or microwave qubits. The research topics also include exploring the transduction of alternative computing platforms to superconducting qubits and developing applications for linked quantum systems with a limited number of logical qubits. The funds for these research projects will be provided as unrestricted donations to universities, with a focus on impactful and innovative proposals.
Faculty members from degree-granting universities and research institutions are eligible to submit proposals for consideration. The research must be related to computer science or technology and align with Google’s AI principles. The company will host live Q&A briefings to discuss these technologies and their potential applications, offering interested parties the opportunity to learn more about this initiative.
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https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/06/18/google-is-looking-for-proposals-to-push-boundaries-in-distributed-quantum-computing/