Quantum computers have traditionally required large physical spaces, but a new system will allow home users to access quantum computing through the cloud.
Researchers have developed a new communication model that enables them to securely connect a PC to a quantum computer over the internet.
Quantum computing has always required advanced equipment placed in large laboratories, but new cloud technology could change that. (Image: Getty Images).
The “blind quantum computing” technique uses optical fibers to connect quantum computers with photon detection devices and employs quantum memory, which is equivalent to conventional memory for quantum computing. This device is directly connected to the PC, allowing remote operations on the quantum computer.
Quantum computers offer processing power that far exceeds that of conventional computers. However, they are also extremely sophisticated and must be cooled to near absolute zero to prevent external interference with quantum states. Conventional computers can connect to servers over the internet to store information and access processing power. However, there is always a risk that information could be intercepted.
The new method of connecting a PC to a quantum computer provides a way for users to compute remotely while maintaining privacy – allowing verification of computations through embedded hidden tests.
In blind quantum computing, users connect to the quantum computer over the internet using detection devices and reconfigure photons to control the qubits of the quantum computer. Consequently, the input, algorithm, and output are effectively concealed from the quantum computer.
The remote computer and the quantum computer continuously exchange information throughout the computation process. Therefore, the quantum memory stores photon states longer than previously required due to the ongoing communication process. The transmission between the PC and the quantum computer is also encrypted using one-time pad encryption – a highly secure form of encryption.
This also promises a highly secure method of internet communication. In quantum computing, any attempt to copy or intercept data is detected, as any observation causes the quantum wave function to collapse and alters the fundamental state of subatomic particles. Therefore, if a server tries to see what is happening, the data will be corrupted.
