quantum computers only have between 50 and 400 qubits , so we would need to have a six order of magnitude difference in the number of qubits .”
From high aspirations to interim applications While many technology companies are focused on aspirational use cases — working on prototypes for future applications — others are “ kicking the tires ” and looking for useful functionality today , Buchholz says .
That ’ s exactly what U . S . -based Quantum Computing Inc . ( QCI ) is doing . The company initially set out to provide agnostic software for quantum computer users but switched gears because “ quantum just didn ’ t deliver the benefits yet that people were expecting ,” company CEO Robert Liscouski says . QCI , now a fullstack quantum hardware and software solution developer , applies photonics-based quantum capabilities to optimization problems .
Liscouski says that since photons ( which carry information in light particles ) don ’ t require a stable environment , they don ’ t have to be error corrected . QCI has been able to demonstrate quantum capabilities with about 5,000 qubits to “ solve big optimization problems .” One pilot project focused on optimizing the placement of wind turbines on a parcel to create the highest electricity production with the lowest investment . Although the parcel could accommodate 200 turbines producing 14.75 GWh each , QCI determined through quantum optimization that it was more efficient to place only 69 turbines producing 16.17 GWh each .
“ We have the ability to implement a more efficient application of wind turbine energy , saving money on the investment and increasing output while having no environmental impact or even reducing the impact ,” he says .
Quantum computing also has a side benefit : The technology itself requires less energy use
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