Quantum Computer Automation Design for Long Term Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Quantum computers face challenges in maintaining long-term stability due to drifting systematic properties caused by external noise, which leads to errors in qubit operations, especially from secondary observables that are not directly measurable during benchmark measurements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an automation design with a scheduler that performs stabilization routines for both directly and indirectly observable system properties, including self-diagnosis and calibration operations, to stabilize both continuous and discrete errors in quantum computers using ion traps and scheduling algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If quantum computers operate continuously for long-term stability, then system uptime and productivity are improved, but drifting systematic properties from external noise cause errors in qubit operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem uptimeVSAvoidqubit operation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic stabilization routines and calibration operations that run at scheduled intervals during quantum computer operation. The scheduler systematically executes these routines to counteract drifting systematic properties caused by external noise, thereby maintaining qubit operation accuracy over extended periods without requiring system shutdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where measurement outcomes from stabilization routines and self-diagnosis operations are used to adjust and recalibrate quantum computer parameters. This closed-loop approach detects drifts in systematic properties and applies corrective actions to maintain reliable qubit operations throughout continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If benchmark measurements are performed to detect system errors, then measurement precision is improved, but secondary observables that are not directly measurable cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection accuracyVSAvoidsecondary observable detectability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary measurement procedures and self-diagnosis operations that indirectly probe secondary observables not directly accessible through standard benchmark measurements. These intermediary methods serve as mediators to infer the state of unmeasurable system properties, enabling comprehensive error detection across all relevant observables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-diagnosis operations where the quantum computer system performs autonomous measurements and diagnostics on its own operational parameters. This self-service capability enables the system to detect and characterize errors in secondary observables without requiring external intervention, expanding the range of detectable system properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If stabilization routines are executed to correct drifting properties, then system reliability is improved, but operation time is consumed by calibration and self-diagnosis activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidalgorithm execution time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial stabilization routines that focus on correcting only the most critical drifting parameters rather than performing complete recalibration of all system properties. This selective approach stabilizes the most impactful error sources while minimizing the time consumed by calibration activities, allowing faster resumption of algorithm execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach ensures consistent and reliable long-term operation of quantum computers by effectively stabilizing drifting system observables, reducing errors, and maintaining high fidelity and uptime of quantum algorithms.

Implementation Method 1

an ion trap configured to hold multiple ions for implementing single-qubit gates and multi-qubit gates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon trap: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

stabilization routines for measurable system properties of the quantum computer that are directly observable from single-qubit and two-qubit native gates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStabilization routines:

Data Source

PatentUS20240370759A1Automation design for achieving long term stable operation of quantum computers

Publication Date: 2024.11.07 IONQ INC

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for use in the implementation and/or operation of quantum information processing (QIP) systems. To optimize the performance of QIP systems or quantum computers in terms of both fidelity and algorithm uptime or throughput, described are techniques to stabilize continuous and discrete errors from drifting and/or noisy secondary observables to achieve long term stable operation.