Researchers from JPMorgan Chase, in collaboration with Quantinuum, Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Texas at Austin, have marked a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by demonstrating a new application that transcends the capabilities of classical supercomputers. Published in the esteemed journal Nature on March 26, their study reveals the successful generation of certified randomness using a quantum computer, a development with profound implications across various industries, including cryptography and numerical simulations.
Innovative quantum computing protocol unveiled:
The cornerstone of this pioneering achievement is the novel quantum computing protocol which harnesses Random Circuit Sampling (RCS) to expand randomness, producing more random bits than it consumes. This protocol, executed on the 56-qubit Quantinuum System Model H2 trapped-ion quantum computer, demonstrates a quantum advantage by performing tasks unachievable by classical computers. The high fidelity and all-to-all qubit connectivity of the H2 model allowed the researchers to remotely generate random bits that were then mathematically certified to be truly random using leadership-scale classical supercomputers.
The research team’s protocol involved two critical phases. Initially, challenge random circuits were generated and sent to the quantum computer, which rapidly returned corresponding samples. This quick turnaround was pivotal, as the response time was too swift to be replicated by classical computation, tested against the fastest existing methods for simulating random circuits. In the second phase, the randomness of the output was rigorously certified using classical supercomputers, verifying 71,313 bits of entropy and thereby proving the randomness was genuine and unachievable by classical means.
Leadership voices on the quantum breakthrough:
Dr. Marco Pistoia, Head of Global Technology Applied Research at JPMorgan Chase, emphasized the practical applications of this quantum leap, stating, “This work marks a major milestone in quantum computing, demonstrating a solution to a real-world challenge using a quantum computer beyond the capabilities of classical supercomputers today.” The implications for advancements in fields such as statistical sampling, numerical simulations, and particularly cryptography, are substantial.
As reported by J.P. Morgan, echoing the significance of this advancement, Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, commented, “Our application of Certified Quantum Randomness not only demonstrates the unmatched performance of our trapped-ion technology but sets a new standard for delivering robust quantum security and enabling advanced simulations across industries like finance, manufacturing, and beyond.”
The genesis of the certified randomness protocol can be traced back to 2018, when Prof. Scott Aaronson of The University of Texas at Austin first proposed it. Reflecting on the journey from theory to practice, Prof. Aaronson shared, “When I first proposed my certified randomness protocol in 2018, I had no idea how long I’d need to wait to see an experimental demonstration of it. I’m thrilled that JPMorgan Chase and Quantinuum have now built upon the original protocol and realized it.”
Dr. Travis Humble, Director of the Quantum Computing User Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, noted the critical role of U.S. Department of Energy computing facilities in enabling these quantum computing results, highlighting the synergies between quantum computing and high-performance computing in pushing the frontiers of technology.