PaQS (Paderborn Quantum Sampler) Photonic Quantum Computer

History

2024: Computer Start Up

On October 7, 2024, researchers at the University of Paderborn in Germany announced the commissioning of Europe's largest photonic quantum computer. A system called Paderborn Quantum Sampler (PaQS) is expected to help with complex challenges in areas ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to logistics and finance.

The complex was built as part of the PhoQuant initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Scientific Research with the involvement of a number of private companies - Menlo Systems, Fraunhofer IOF Jena and Swabian Instruments. The project is coordinated by the German firm Q.Ant, which specializes in industrial quantum technologies. The creation of the device required the development of many new components.

uni-paderborn.de

The PaQS system uses photons, or particles of light, to perform computational work. The technology is rapidly evolving as photon-based quantum computers can function at room temperature. Previously, the researchers used Gaussian boson sampling as a model of photon computing to create quantum computers. The PaQS project uses the concept of system integration and full programmability.

In particular, this means that we use a fully programmable and integrated interferometer, with which we can implement any configuration we choose, "says Professor Christina Silberhorn, physicist and representative of the Institute of Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS) at the University of Paderborn.

Full programmability means that the system will allow the implementation of projects that will be born as part of subsequent research work. This, scientists say, creates unprecedented flexibility.^[1]

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