01709nas a2200229 4500008004100000245006700041210006700108250000700175260001500182300001400197490000800211520106700219100001601286700001901302700002201321700001601343700001601359700002101375700001501396700002401411856004401435 2017 eng d00aExperimental Comparison of Two Quantum Computing Architectures0 aExperimental Comparison of Two Quantum Computing Architectures a13 c2017/03/21 a3305-33100 v1143 a
We run a selection of algorithms on two state-of-the-art 5-qubit quantum computers that are based on different technology platforms. One is a publicly accessible superconducting transmon device [1] with limited connectivity, and the other is a fully connected trapped-ion system [2]. Even though the two systems have different native quantum interactions, both can be programmed in a way that is blind to the underlying hardware, thus allowing the first comparison of identical quantum algorithms between different physical systems. We show that quantum algorithms and circuits that employ more connectivity clearly benefit from a better connected system of qubits. While the quantum systems here are not yet large enough to eclipse classical computers, this experiment exposes critical factors of scaling quantum computers, such as qubit connectivity and gate expressivity. In addition, the results suggest that co-designing particular quantum applications with the hardware itself will be paramount in successfully using quantum computers in the future.
1 aLinke, N.M.1 aMaslov, Dmitri1 aRoetteler, Martin1 aDebnath, S.1 aFiggatt, C.1 aLandsman, K., A.1 aWright, K.1 aMonroe, Christopher uhttp://www.pnas.org/content/114/13/3305