Amazon ramps up quantum computing with R&D center


To overcome the constraints induced by quantum computing, Amazon wants to develop new technologies. Proof of this is the creation of the AWS Center for Quantum Networking (CQN).

In 2021, Amazon officially entered the quantum computer race. The cloud branch of the American giant, Amazon Web Services (AWS), thus announced the opening of a dedicated research center on the campus of Caltech, a Californian technological institute of international renown.

At the time, the Seattle octopus clearly displayed its ambition: “The ultimate goal of the center is to build an entirely new kind of computer: a fault-tolerant quantum machine capable of performing precise calculations beyond anything conventional computing technology offers, at the scale needed to solve complex issues that could have a major impact on the way we live and work.”

Develop new technologies “to unleash the full potential of quantum devices”

To make this goal a reality, Amazon announced this month the creation of the AWS Center for Quantum Networking (CQN), which should help develop new software and applications for quantum networks. “These quantum networks will take advantage of some technologies already deployed for modern optical communications, such as lasers, fibers and detectors. However, instead of powerful laser beams, quantum networks require single photons — the smallest building blocks of light — to connect quantum devices together.”explains the group.

To overcome the constraints induced by quantum computing, the firm headed by Andy Jassy is seeking to develop new technologies, such as quantum repeaters and transducers. “To unlock the full potential of quantum devices, they must be connected together in a quantum network, similar to how current devices are connected via the internet. Although they don’t receive the same level of attention as quantum computers, quantum networks have fascinating possible applications., says Amazon. The juggernaut cites in particular better protected communications with quantum encryption keys or even more powerful and secure quantum cloud servers.

In the race for the quantum computer, Amazon must face other players from across the Atlantic, such as IBM and Google. In May, IBM presented its roadmap for reaching new heights in the sector. The founder promises a quantum computer with more than 4,000 qubits in 2025 and plans to develop machines with a computing power of between 10,000 and 100,000 qubits after 2026.



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