Have prototypes of universal quantum computers by 2032. This is the objective set by the General Directorate of Armaments, which is attached to the Ministry of the Armed Forces, to five startups. An objective which falls within the framework of Emmanuel Macron’s quantum plan, but also military objectives to allow “France to hold its ground” in the face of new challenges.
Who wants peace, must be able to fight in all emerging areas of conflict (cyber, space, seabed, etc.). But also take advantage of the technological breakthroughs that are emerging. It is better not to miss the boat, because innovations are pouring in: drones, robots, AI, stealth, hypervelocity, or even quantum computing. Woe to the latecomers.
It is in this context that the Directorate General of Armament (DGA), whose role is to prepare the country’s future defense systems, announced on March 7 framework agreements with five French companies — Alice & Bob , C12, Pasqal, Quellela and Quobly. Their mission? Develop prototypes of universal quantum computers.
This program must “ enable the development of the most promising technologies, from laboratory prototypes to large-scale quantum computing solutions usable for Defense needs », Informs the DGA. Over the years, skimming will take place, in order to focus on the best solutions.
On paper, a “universal” quantum computer is supposed to be able to perform the same calculations as a classic PC, but much more efficiently. This is in reality true for certain operations, which will use very precise algorithms designed specifically for quantum. Calculations which are thus infeasible today, because they take too long, would become possible.
An example ? It would take thousands of billions of years to factor numbers with a few hundred digits, even for a super computer. But with a quantum computer, even a modest one, it would only take a few hours. This would be a profound paradigm shift, for example in communications.
It is impossible today to know which of these five startups will detach themselves from this project, called PROQCIMA. But they all know the decisive deadlines that await them. By 2028, there will only be three. Then in 2032, the two most efficient will be selected. Two prototype computers will then have to be proposed.
In 2032, the goal will be a machine capable of processing 128 logical qubits. These logical qubits are to be distinguished from physical qubits. For a quantum computer, the quantity of physical qubits to give a logical qubit is estimated from 5 to 48, recalled Inria computer science doctor Razvan Barbulescu, in 2022.
“ Quantum computers are sensitive to the slightest disturbances in electromagnetic fields », he noted in an article on the profound changes to be expected from this technological breakthrough. So, ” to avoid calculation errors, ‘error-free’ qubits are made using ‘quantum correction codes’. » These are the logical qubits.
The difference between bit, qubit, logical qubit and physical qubit
The qubit is the basic unit of quantum computers (it is the contraction of quantum – or quantum – and bit). It’s the counterpart of the bit for a classic PC. If the bit can take two states separately (0 or 1, that is to say the basis of the binary system), the qubit has the particularity of being able to have them simultaneously. We then speak of a “superimposed” state.
This first ten-year horizon of the PROQCIMA program should make it possible to ultimately lead to “ industrial products usable by their first customers. » These machines will then have to operate not on 128 logical qubits, but sixteen times more. The DGA sets a target of 2048 logical qubits after 2030.
2048 logical qubits already constitute a first notable milestone. At the time, Razvan Barbulescu pointed out that the record at the time was 127 qubits for the Eagle computer, built by IBM. It is so weak, he added, that we speak more of a “proof of concept” than of a functional quantum PC. The cap is estimated at 10,000 qubits.
“ In the most optimistic scenario, that of a doubling of the number of qubits every year, the first quantum calculations […] which can be compared to classical calculations will be possible in ten years at the earliest », noted the specialist. A forecast which is close to the timetable set by the DGA as part of its program.
Allow France “ to hold one’s rank »
PROQCIMA translates in any case “ in a concrete manner the commitments made by the President of the Republic in terms of national quantum strategy », Points out the General Directorate of Armaments. At the start of 2021, Emmanuel Macron had, in fact, unveiled a quantum plan, with 1.8 billion euros for the next five years.
“ Quantum is of major importance for the Armed Forces », continues the DGA, and this revolution is likely to change war. In communications and cryptography in particular, upheavals are to be expected – but solutions are emerging, such as post-quantum cryptography.
This new situation is taken into account in the 2024-2030 military programming law. “ To maintain the operational superiority of our armies, a transformation must be undertaken to anticipate technological leaps and associated uses. », recalled a Parliament report citing this IT architecture.
In particular, the State was asked to “ special vigilance » and an investment in quantum research, « in order to develop and protect sovereign sectors. “This, to allow France” to hold its place among nations capable of adapting to the challenges linked to new fields. »
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