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Quantum computers run calculations differently than conventional computers. Because of that, many believe these machines will solve problems considered intractable, or too complex, for even the most powerful supercomputing technology we use today.

There are certain problems considered “killer applications” for quantum computing, including the ability to model complex molecules, which is important for computational chemists working in the pharmaceutical and other industries, and optimization problems around logistics, supply chain and scheduling.

We cannot predict what will happen in the decades to come or if or when devices such as quantum laptops will exist. However, we believe quantum computers will complement super computers and provide researchers and others with another powerful tool to help solve complex problems. Already, companies and organizations are exploring hybrid approaches in which problems are divided up to have certain portions run on supercomputers and other parts run on quantum computers such that each device tackles the portion that it can solve most efficiently.

Just as there are multiple types of vehicle engines – diesel, electric, hybrid, and gas combustion – there are different approaches to quantum computing hardware. Quantum computing hardware technologies are defined by the type of qubit or quantum bit (neutral atom, trapped ion, superconducting, etc.) they use and how quantum operations are performed on those qubits (analog or digital).

We are building atomic array quantum computing technologies that use neutral atoms as qubits. This is a newer approach that is gaining traction – and attention – because of its ability to quickly scale to larger numbers of qubits, which will accelerate the path to quantum advantage..

For example, we recently were selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a next-generation system through its Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program. The primary goal of the US2QC program is to determine if an underexplored approach to quantum computing can accelerate the path to utility-scale operation.

Yes, although the Atom Computing technology has certain technical differences which aim to provide a higher performance, more robust solution.

Some of the key differences center around the types of neutral atoms we use as qubits, the way in which we encode information onto qubits, and our decision to pursue universal logic gates. Further, we have designed our systems to maximize uptime and computational efficiency.

Our 100-qubit prototype system known as Phoenix is based in our Berkeley, California office, which also acts as our headquarters. We are building second-generation, commercial systems in our Boulder, Colorado research and development facility.