Atos announces Q-score, the only universal metrics to assess quantum performance and superiority

Paris, December four, 2020

Atos introduces “Q-score”, the to start with common quantum metrics, relevant to all programmable quantum processors. Atos’ Q-score steps a quantum system’s success at dealing with authentic-life troubles, all those which can’t be solved by conventional computers, alternatively than simply measuring its theoretical effectiveness. Q-score reaffirms Atos’ determination to supply early and concrete advantages of quantum computing. About the earlier 5 decades, Atos has develop into a pioneer in quantum purposes through its participation in industrial and academic partnerships and funded projects, doing the job hand-in-hand with industrials to establish use-conditions which will be equipped to be accelerated by quantum computing.

“Faced with the emergence of a myriad of processor systems and programming methods, businesses wanting to devote in quantum computing will need a reputable metrics to support them decide on the most economical path for them. Staying hardware-agnostic, Q-score is an objective, basic and honest metrics which they can count on,” mentioned Elie Girard, Atos CEO. “Since the launch of ‘Atos Quantum’ in 2016, the to start with quantum computing field plan in Europe, our aim has remained the exact same: advance the enhancement of field and research purposes, and pave the way to quantum superiority.”

What does Q-score measure?

Right now the selection of qubits (quantum models) is the most prevalent determine of advantage for evaluating the effectiveness of a quantum technique. However, qubits are volatile and vastly change in quality (pace, steadiness, connectivity, and many others.) from one particular quantum technology to yet another (this sort of as supraconducting, trapped ions, silicon and photonics), creating it an imperfect benchmark instrument. By focusing on the capability to resolve well-regarded combinatorial optimization troubles, Atos Q-score will deliver research centers, universities, businesses and technological leaders with specific, reputable, objective and similar results when resolving authentic-globe optimization troubles.

Q-score steps the actual effectiveness of quantum processors when resolving an optimization problem, agent of the in the vicinity of-term quantum computing era (NISQ – Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum). To deliver a frame of reference for evaluating effectiveness scores and manage uniformity, Q-score relies on a conventional combinatorial optimization problem, the exact same for all assessments (the Max-Minimize Issue, identical to the well-regarded TSP – Travelling Salesman Issue, see down below). The score is calculated primarily based on the most selection of variables in just this sort of a problem that a quantum technology can improve (ex: 23 variables = 23 Q-score or Qs).

Atos will organize the publication of a annually listing of the most powerful quantum processors in the globe primarily based on Q-score. Owing in 2021, the to start with report will consist of actual self-assessments supplied by producers.

Primarily based on an open up accessibility application package deal, Q-score is crafted on three pillars:

• Software pushed: Q-score is the only metrics technique primarily based on in the vicinity of-term available quantum algorithms and steps a quantum system’s potential to resolve useful operational troubles
• Openness and relieve of use: Common and cost-free, Q-score advantages from Atos’ technology-neutral approach. Its application package deal, including resources and methodology, does not have to have significant computation electricity to compute the metrics
• Objectiveness and dependability: Atos brings together a hardware-agnostic, technology-agnostic approach with a sturdy abilities in algorithm design and style and optimization acquired doing the job with significant field customers and technology leaders in the quantum field​. The methodology applied to make Q-score will be built general public and open up to assessment.

A cost-free application kit, which allows Q-score to be operate on any processor will be available in Q1 2021. Atos invites all producers to operate Q-score on their technology and publish their results.

Thanks to the advanced qubit simulation capabilities of the Atos Quantum Studying Device (Atos QLM), its powerful quantum simulator, Atos is equipped to compute Q-score estimates for many platforms. These estimates get into account the features publicly supplied by the producers. Outcomes selection all-around a Q-score of fifteen Qs, but progress is fast, with an believed ordinary Q-score courting from one particular year ago in the region of 10 Qs, and an believed projected ordinary Q-score courting one particular year from now to be earlier mentioned 20 Qs.

Q-score has been reviewed by the Atos Quantum Advisory Board, a group of international gurus, mathematicians and physicists authorities in their fields, which achieved on
December four, 2020.