DOE open-access quantum computing testbed is ready for the public

Quantum computers are poised to become major technological drivers over the coming decades. But to get there, scientists need to experiment with quantum machines that relatively few universities or companies have. Now, scientists can use Sandia’s QSCOUT for research that might not be possible at their home institutions, without the cost or restrictions of using a commercial testbed.

“QSCOUT serves a need in the quan­tum community by giving users the con­trols to study the machine itself, which aren’t yet available in commercial quan­tum computing systems. It also saves the­orists and scientists from the trouble of building their own machines. We hope to gain new insights into quantum perfor­mance and architecture as well as solve problems that require quantum computa­tion,” said Sandia physicist and QSCOUT lead Susan Clark.

She said the new testbed is a rare machine in three ways: first, as a free, open-access testbed; second, as one made with trapped ion technology; and third, as a platform that gives users an uncommon amount of control over their research.

URL: https://www.sandia.gov/news/publications/labnews/articles/2021/03-12/QSCOUT.html