In a significant milestone for quantum computing in the United States, the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has acquired a groundbreaking IQM Radiance quantum computer system. This marks the first installation of an on-premises, full-stack superconducting quantum computer at a national laboratory, representing a major step forward in integrating quantum capabilities with traditional high-performance computing systems [1].
The IQM Radiance system features 20 qubits and is designed to be upgradeable, allowing for future expansions as the technology advances [2]. This acquisition positions ORNL at the forefront of quantum computing research and development, enabling scientists to explore new possibilities in quantum algorithms and applications integrated with classical computing infrastructure.
The development comes amid increasing global competition in quantum computing technology. In a parallel development, Japanese tech giant Fujitsu has announced a collaboration with government-backed research institutions Riken and AIST, setting an ambitious goal to develop a quantum computer with approximately 250 logical qubits by 2030 [3].
To support the new quantum computing infrastructure, IQM has released updated software tools, including the IQM client library version 30.0.0 and the pulse-level access library IQM-pulla 9.7.0 [4]. These tools provide researchers with the necessary interfaces to program and control the quantum computer, enabling both high-level quantum algorithm development and low-level pulse control.
The integration of the IQM Radiance system with ORNL's existing high-performance computing infrastructure represents a hybrid approach to computing, combining the strengths of both classical and quantum systems. This setup will allow researchers to explore quantum advantages in various fields, including materials science, chemistry, and artificial intelligence applications.
