I have been struggling to write a blogpost on quantum computing/internet for almost a year now. Mainly due to how to handle with citation of speakers at conferences and what is written in general articles as common knowledge. Also the research field had many breakthroughs lately. Then I came to something new and was able to conduct a sort of interview.

Explain quantum computing in simple terms
Quantum computing is a type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. Unlike classical computers, which use bits to represent and manipulate information, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits. Because qubits can exist in multiple states at once, quantum computers can perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers. This makes quantum computers particularly well-suited for certain types of problems, such as factorizing large numbers and searching large databases. However, quantum computers are still in the early stages of development, and it is not yet clear how they will be used in practice.

Explain quantum internet in simple terms
A quantum internet is a theoretical concept for a network that uses quantum mechanics to transmit information. It would allow for faster and more secure communication than traditional networks because it would use quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits. This would enable new applications such as ultra-fast secure communication, distributed quantum computing and improved measurement precision. However, the technology for a full-scale quantum internet does not currently exist and is an active area of research.

can you elaborate on superposition and entanglement a little bit more
Sure! Superposition refers to the ability of a qubit to exist in multiple states simultaneously. In a classical bit, the state is either 0 or 1, but a qubit can exist in a state known as a “superposition” of 0 and 1. This means that a qubit can be in a state where it is partially 0 and partially 1 at the same time. This property allows quantum computers to perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers. Entanglement refers to the phenomenon where two or more qubits become connected in such a way that the state of one qubit is dependent on the state of the other. This means that if the state of one qubit changes, the state of the other qubits will change as well, even if they are physically separated by a large distance. Entanglement allows quantum computers to perform certain types of calculations that are not possible on classical computers. Together, superposition and entanglement give quantum computers unique capabilities that classical computers do not have, and this is why they have the potential to perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers. It’s important to note that these are very complex topics and a simple explanation may not be sufficient to fully understand them. There’s a lot of research and experimentation being done in the field of quantum computing, and new discoveries are being made all the time.

what are the research advances in quantum computing
There have been a number of research advances in quantum computing in recent years, including:

  1. Quantum supremacy: In 2019, Google announced that it had achieved quantum supremacy using a quantum computer to perform a calculation that would be infeasible for any classical computer.
  2. Quantum error correction: Researchers are developing ways to detect and correct errors that occur during quantum computations, which is a critical step towards building large-scale, practical quantum computers.
  3. Quantum algorithms: Researchers are developing new algorithms for quantum computers that can solve problems faster than classical algorithms. Some examples include Shor’s algorithm for factoring large integers and Grover’s algorithm for searching unsorted databases.
  4. Quantum machine learning: Researchers are exploring the use of quantum computers to speed up machine learning algorithms and improve their accuracy.
  5. Quantum networks: Scientists are working on creating a quantum internet which would allow multiple quantum computers to work together to solve problems faster than a single computer could solve alone.
  6. Quantum simulation: Scientists are developing quantum simulators to simulate complex quantum systems.
  7. Quantum sensors and metrology: Quantum technologies are also being used to build high precision sensors, and to improve measurement precision.

what are the research advances in quantum internet
There have been a number of research advances in quantum internet in recent years, including:

  1. Quantum key distribution (QKD): Researchers have developed ways to use quantum mechanics to securely distribute keys for encryption, which is a crucial building block for a quantum internet.
  2. Quantum teleportation: Scientists have successfully demonstrated the teleportation of quantum states over long distances, which could be used to transmit information in a quantum internet.
  3. Quantum repeaters: Researchers are developing quantum repeaters, which would be used to extend the range of quantum communication.
  4. Quantum network protocols: Scientists are developing new protocols for quantum networks, such as quantum routing and quantum multiplexing, to enable more efficient and effective communication.
  5. Quantum internet testbeds: Several groups around the world are developing experimental testbeds for quantum internet, with the aim of demonstrating the feasibility of quantum communication over long distances.
  6. Quantum-safe cryptography: Researchers are looking into quantum-safe cryptography, which is a method to protect data from being decrypted by future quantum computers.
  7. Quantum Cloud services: Companies are developing quantum cloud services, which will enable access to quantum processors and quantum software for any user that has internet connection. Keep in mind that a full-scale quantum internet is still a long term goal and a lot of research and development is needed to make it a reality.

Is hybrid classical and quntum computing the futere
Hybrid classical and quantum computing is an active area of research that has the potential to leverage the strengths of both classical and quantum computing to solve a wide range of problems. It combines the best of both worlds by using classical computers to perform certain tasks, such as pre- and post-processing of data, while using quantum computers to perform other tasks, such as optimization and simulation, that are difficult or infeasible to perform on classical computers. Hybrid classical-quantum algorithms have been developed for various problems, such as machine learning, quantum chemistry, and finance. These algorithms can be more efficient and accurate than either classical or quantum algorithms alone. Furthermore, hybrid systems can also be used to tackle the current limitations of quantum computing, such as the need for error correction and the lack of efficient algorithms. In summary, hybrid classical and quantum computing is an exciting area of research that has the potential to bring the power of quantum computing to a wider range of applications and industries, and it could be considered as a step towards the future of computing. However, it is important to note that there is still a lot of research needed to fully develop and integrate this technology into practical applications.

How many qubits have the current quantum computers
The number of qubits that a quantum computer has is a measure of its computational power. The number of qubits in a quantum computer can vary depending on the technology used to build it, and the specific implementation of the computer. As of 2021, the most advanced quantum computers have over 100 qubits. For example, Google has announced that it has a quantum computer with 72 qubits (Bristlecone), while IBM has a quantum computer with 53 qubits, and Rigetti Computing has a quantum computer with 128 qubits. It is important to note that, having more qubits does not necessarily translate into more computational power, as the stability and coherence of the qubits are also crucial factors to consider. Moreover, the number of qubits is not the only metric to measure the performance of a quantum computer, as the quality of the qubits, the error-correction, and the ability to run algorithms are also important factors. In summary, the number of qubits in a quantum computer can vary depending on the technology used to build it and the specific implementation, and while having more qubits can increase the computational power, it is not the only metric to consider when evaluating the performance of a quantum computer.

How many qubits would be needed to outperform the latest HPC
The number of qubits needed to outperform the latest high-performance classical computers (HPC) is not well defined and it depends on the specific problem being solved. However, there is a general agreement among researchers that a quantum computer with a few hundred or more qubits could outperform the most powerful classical computers for certain problems. For example, Shor’s algorithm for factoring integers, which is considered one of the most important quantum algorithms, can achieve exponential speedup over classical algorithms with a few hundred qubits. Another example is Grover’s algorithm for unstructured search, which can achieve a quadratic speedup with just 50 qubits. However, it is important to note that having a large number of qubits does not guarantee that a quantum computer will be able to solve a specific problem faster than a classical computer. Other factors such as the quality of qubits, error-correction, and the ability to run algorithms also play an important role in determining the performance of a quantum computer. In summary, the number of qubits needed to outperform the latest HPC is not well defined and it depends on the specific problem being solved, but it is generally agreed that a quantum computer with a few hundred or more qubits could achieve exponential speedup over classical computers for certain problems.

What is the main issue with stable qubits
One of the main issues with stable qubits is decoherence, which is the process by which the quantum state of a qubit becomes mixed with its environment, causing the qubit to lose its quantum properties. Decoherence can be caused by a variety of factors, including noise, temperature fluctuations, and electromagnetic interference. Another main issue is control errors, which occur when the qubits are not precisely controlled. This can cause errors in quantum gates, which are the operations that manipulate the state of qubits, leading to inaccuracies in the final result. Both of these issues can make it difficult to maintain the coherence and stability of qubits over time, which is a key requirement for the proper functioning of a quantum computer. Researchers are working on various techniques to mitigate these issues, such as error correction codes, and developing new types of qubits that are more resistant to decoherence. Also, they are working on developing new control techniques that can help to reduce control errors. However, these are complex problems, and it is not yet clear when a fully stable qubits will be achieved. It’s important to note that these are very challenging and active areas of research, and new discoveries and techniques are being developed all the time.

Are they (quantum computers) commercially available
Currently, quantum computers are not yet widely available commercially. However, several companies have begun to offer cloud-based quantum computing services, which allow customers to access the power of a quantum computer over the internet. These services typically provide access to a limited number of qubits and offer a restricted set of quantum algorithms. Companies like IBM, Google, Rigetti, IonQ, Honeywell, Alibaba, Zapata, Xanadu, PsiQuantum, Cambridge Quantum Computing, and others have developed their own quantum computers and are offering cloud-based access to them for a fee. Some of them are also developing quantum software, quantum applications and quantum services. It’s also worth noting that the field of quantum computing is still in its early stages, and the capabilities of these quantum computers are still limited. However, as the technology continues to evolve, it is expected that the number of qubits and the capabilities of these computers will increase, and they will become more widely available commercially. It’s important to note that the field of quantum computing is rapidly evolving, and new developments and breakthroughs are being made all the time. Therefore, it’s always good to check with the companies and research the recent developments in the field for the most up-to-date information.

Why is quntum internet so much harder to achieve then classical internet
Quantum internet is much harder to achieve than classical internet for a few reasons: • Quantum states are fragile: Quantum states are highly sensitive to their environment and can be easily disturbed by noise, temperature fluctuations, and electromagnetic interference. This makes it difficult to transmit quantum information over long distances. • Quantum error correction: In classical communication, errors can be corrected by retransmitting the data, but in quantum communication, errors cannot be corrected without disturbing the quantum state. This makes it difficult to maintain the integrity of quantum information as it is transmitted over long distances. • Quantum hardware: Building a quantum internet requires specialized hardware, such as quantum repeaters and quantum key distribution (QKD) devices, which are still in the early stages of development. • Quantum software: Building a quantum internet also requires specialized software and programming languages that can take advantage of the unique properties of quantum mechanics. • Scale: Achieving a functional quantum internet will require connecting many different types of quantum devices, such as quantum computers and quantum sensors, and coordinating their activities. This is a much more complex problem than building a classical internet, which only required connecting classical computers. In summary, building a quantum internet is much harder than building a classical internet because it requires specialized hardware, software, and techniques that are still in the early stages of development, and it requires connecting many different types of quantum devices. However, as research in the field continues to advance, it is expected that a quantum internet will be realized in the future.

How about the non copying of a quntum state
One of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics is that a quantum state cannot be copied. This is known as the “no-cloning theorem.” It means that if you have a quantum system in a specific state, you cannot create an exact copy of that state without disturbing the original. This is in contrast to classical information, which can be easily copied. The no-cloning theorem has a number of important implications for quantum computing and quantum communication. For example, it means that it is impossible to make an exact copy of a qubit, which is a fundamental building block of a quantum computer. This makes it difficult to perform certain types of operations, such as error correction, on quantum systems. In quantum communication, the no-cloning theorem means that it is impossible to make an exact copy of a quantum key, which is used to encrypt information. This makes it possible to create secure quantum communication channels that cannot be eavesdropped on. The no-cloning theorem is one of the key principles of quantum mechanics that makes quantum technology unique and has important implications for the future development of quantum computing and quantum communication.

Are you familiar with the quantum research done at the |Technical University Delft in the Netherlands
Yes, I am familiar with the quantum research being done at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands. The university is home to a number of research groups working on a wide range of topics in quantum science and technology, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum cryptography. Some of the key areas of research at TU Delft include: • The development of new quantum algorithms and quantum error correction codes • The design and characterization of superconducting qubits, which are a type of qubit that is being used in many quantum computers • The development of new types of quantum hardware, such as silicon qubits and topological qubits • Research on quantum communication and quantum networks, including the development of new quantum key distribution protocols • The development of quantum-based technologies for cryptography, simulation, and sensing. TU Delft is considered to be one of the leading institutions in Europe for quantum research, and its researchers have made significant contributions to the field. The university also has a strong focus on collaboration with industry and has established partnerships with various companies to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies.

I understood the were one of the first to do the Bell test
Yes, you are correct. The Technical University of Delft (TU Delft) in the Netherlands was one of the first institutions to conduct the Bell test, which is a test of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. The Bell test was first proposed by physicist John Bell in 1964, and it is designed to demonstrate the existence of quantum entanglement, which is a phenomenon that allows two quantum systems to be correlated in such a way that the properties of one system can affect the properties of the other, even when they are separated by large distances. The TU Delft team was led by Anton Zeilinger and they performed the Bell test using a pair of entangled photons. The results of their experiment provided strong evidence for the existence of quantum entanglement and helped to confirm the predictions of quantum mechanics. The Bell test is considered to be one of the most important tests of quantum mechanics, and many subsequent experiments have been performed to further investigate the properties of quantum entanglement. The TU Delft team’s work was an important early contribution to the field and helped to establish the university as a leading institution in quantum research.

Wasn’t this the spooky thing Einstein was talking about
Yes, the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, which is a key aspect of the Bell test, is often referred to as “spooky action at a distance.” This was a term coined by Albert Einstein, who was one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics but also one of its most vocal critics. Einstein was skeptical of the idea of quantum entanglement, as it seemed to suggest that information could be transmitted faster than the speed of light, which would violate the principle of causality. Einstein, together with his colleagues Boris Podolsky and Nathan Rosen, proposed the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox in 1935, to argue that the theory of quantum mechanics was incomplete. The EPR paradox is based on the idea that if two quantum systems are entangled, they should be able to affect each other’s properties instantly, regardless of the distance between them, but Einstein and his colleagues believed that this would violate the principle of causality. The Bell test, which was first proposed by John Bell in 1964, was designed to test the predictions of quantum mechanics against the predictions of Einstein’s theory of special relativity. The results of the Bell test provide strong evidence for the existence of quantum entanglement and confirm the predictions of quantum mechanics. In summary, the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, or “spooky action at a distance,” is a key aspect of the Bell test and was a source of controversy when it was first proposed by Einstein and his colleagues. Today, it is considered to be a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics, and it has been confirmed by numerous experiments.

The TU Delft publication in Nature on the Belll test got a lot of media attention. They even made a 2 page strip in a national newspaper on it. Are you familiar with that
Yes, I am familiar with the TU Delft team’s publication in Nature on the Bell test and it did get a lot of media attention, not only in the Netherlands but also internationally. The results of their experiment provided strong evidence for the existence of quantum entanglement, which is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics, and helped to confirm the predictions of quantum mechanics. The team’s work was considered to be a major achievement in the field of quantum physics, and it was widely covered by the media. It’s also worth noting that the TU Delft team’s work on the Bell test was not only a scientific achievement but also a technological one. The team was able to demonstrate high-quality measurements of single photons, which is a necessary step towards the development of a global quantum internet. It’s common for scientific research to be translated and reported in various forms of media, including newspapers, magazines and online news portals. A 2 page strip in a national newspaper would be an interesting way of making the results of the research more accessible to a general audience, and it’s great to see that science is being reported in this way as well.

A last question would you say quantum computing/internet is a hype
Quantum computing and quantum internet are both active areas of research and development, and they have the potential to have a significant impact on a wide range of fields, including cryptography, materials science, and drug discovery. Quantum computing has the potential to perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers, such as factoring large numbers and searching large databases. This has led to significant investment in the field by governments, corporations and venture capitalist, as well as a number of startups. Quantum internet is also an active area of research, with the potential to enable new types of secure communication that cannot be eavesdropped on, as well as the development of new types of quantum-based technologies for cryptography, simulation, and sensing. That being said, it’s important to note that the development of quantum computing and quantum internet is still in the early stages, and it is not yet clear when these technologies will be fully developed and widely available. While there has been a lot of hype around the potential of these technologies, it’s important to keep in mind that it will take time for the technology to mature and for the full potential of these technologies to be realized. In conclusion, it is not fair to say that quantum computing and quantum internet are a hype. They are active areas of research and development with a lot of potential, but it will take time for the technology to mature.

Many of you readers will have guessed that this interview was conducted with chatGPT. This freely available software can generate text on all kinds of subjects. The first question of this interview is the first example on the OpenAI homepage. I must say that the first time I entered that question it resulted into an error. You can see that the software can handle my dyslexia pretty good. And the answers are not deterministic. You can regenerate an answer if you do not like the first attempt. The first set of questions I did twice and in this blog I used the ones I liked the most. That I did it twice was due to the fact that it looked like my first attempt got lost in CyberSpace. The saving of the chat’s is little bit contra intuitive. Your chat gets first the name of your first question, but if you start a new chat this is changed to new chat.

The previous time I worked with a program like this was during my study in the eighties. It was the time of the Eliza program. This program was working the other way. It started with a question and on basis of your answer it created a new answer. So when you give short answers the program mostly got stuck. ChatGPT has a big knowledge base behind its program. Even on short questions the answers are elaborate. I was completely surprised by the answer on the TU Delft research. The advancement in the capabilities of those chat programs has been huge. Mainly due to the advancement in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

If you want to play with quantum network software have a look at: Quantum Network Explorer (QNE) - Unlocking the power of quantum networks (quantum-network.com))