Quantum computation is a way of doing calculations using quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement. A quantum computer can be in multiple states simultaneously, and so can perform several calculations at once.
The Centre for Quantum Computation Communication Technology (CQC2T) is an Australian research centre that is investigating the potential of quantum computing and developing prototype devices. The centre is based at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia. CQC2T was established in 1999 with funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC).
The current focus of CQC2T’s research is on building a silicon-based quantum computer. This type of quantum computer would be more scalable than other types that have been proposed, meaning it could be manufactured using standard semiconductor techniques. CQC2T has developed world-leading expertise in this area, and its silicon-based quantum computers are among the most advanced in the world.
In addition to its work on hardware, CQC2T also develops algorithms and software for quantum computers, as well as working on applications for quantum information processing. The aim is to build a “complete stack” of technology needed for practical quantum computing. One application that has been developed by CQC2T is a algorithm for simulating molecular systems on a quantum computer – this could be used to design new drugs or materials with improved properties. Other applications include secure communications and machine learning.
CQCT’s team comprises over 150 researchers from UNSW, Australia National University, Griffith University, Macquarie University and industry partners IBM Research Australia, Telstra Corporation Limited and Optus Networks Pty Limited . The team includes experimental physicists, material scientists, engineers , mathematicians and computer scientists .