Xanadu is a Canadian quantum technology company developing fault-tolerant quantum computers for widespread use. It distinguishes itself by building its systems using light, a method known as photonics. This approach aims to make quantum computing accessible for various applications.
The Photonic Approach to Quantum Computing
Photonic quantum computing utilizes photons, particles of light, to encode and process quantum information. This method differs from other quantum computing approaches, such as those relying on superconducting qubits or trapped ions. Superconducting qubits, used by companies like Google and IBM, operate at extremely cold temperatures and encounter challenges related to qubit connectivity and maintaining coherence. Trapped ion systems exhibit long coherence times and high-fidelity operations, but scaling them to a large number of qubits presents a complex hurdle.
Xanadu’s photonic approach offers several advantages, including room-temperature operation, which simplifies infrastructure. Photonic systems also show promise for easier integration into existing fiber optic communication networks, potentially enabling networked quantum computers. A distinguishing feature of Xanadu’s technology involves using “squeezed light” to create its qubits, which involves continuous-variable (CV) quantum information, presenting a different pathway for quantum computation.
Xanadu’s Hardware and Cloud Platform
Xanadu has developed hardware based on its photonic approach, including its quantum processor chips. The X-Series devices are among the first photonic quantum computers available through the cloud. These chips harness laser pulses to generate on-chip squeezed states, serving as photonic qubits, alongside fully programmable quantum gates and photon-number-resolving detectors.
Borealis is a photonic quantum computer that has demonstrated quantum computational advantage. It utilizes 216 squeezed-state qubits and offers full programmability of its gates. For a specific computational task, Borealis generated samples in approximately 36 microseconds, a task that would require an estimated 9,000 years for the world’s fastest classical supercomputer to complete. The Xanadu Cloud, an online platform, provides access to this advanced hardware, making the technology available to researchers and developers globally.
Software for Quantum Development
Xanadu provides a software ecosystem for quantum development, centered on PennyLane. PennyLane is an open-source software library designed for quantum machine learning and broader quantum computing applications. Its hardware-agnostic nature allows it to function across quantum devices from various providers, including Xanadu, Amazon Braket, Google, IBM, and Rigetti. This enables users to develop quantum algorithms deployable on a wide range of hardware.
Complementing PennyLane, Xanadu also offers Strawberry Fields. It is tailored for programming and simulating Xanadu’s photonic quantum hardware. While PennyLane serves as a general-purpose tool for quantum machine learning and computation, Strawberry Fields provides the specialized interface for interacting directly with Xanadu’s continuous-variable photonic systems. This ensures developers have both broad compatibility and specialized tools for Xanadu’s distinct architecture.
Applications and Industry Impact
Xanadu’s photonic quantum computing technology can address complex problems across several industries. Key target areas include drug discovery and materials science, such as developing next-generation lithium-ion batteries. It also shows promise for financial modeling and complex optimization problems.
Quantum machine learning stands out as a significant field where Xanadu’s technology is expected to have a substantial impact. To further explore real-world applications and advance the field, Xanadu has formed several collaborations. This includes a partnership with Applied Materials to develop scalable fabrication processes for components used in photon-number-resolving detectors in Xanadu’s quantum computers. Xanadu is also working with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) on quantum algorithms for advanced battery development and hardware optimization. Additionally, a collaboration with the University of Maryland’s National Quantum Laboratory (QLab) aims to accelerate research and workforce development in quantum information science, and Xanadu is also contributing to the DARPA INSPIRED Program, developing advanced squeezed light generation and detection devices with partners like RTX’s BBN Technologies and Raytheon’s Advanced Technology.