The team is working on the development of quantum technology modelling methods, which are expected to accelerate and facilitate their introduction to the market. The project, called EUCENTRAL, has been launched the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in collaboration with University College London.

To develop research activities, the scientists have acquired EUR 2.47 million from the EU ERA Chairs programme.

Although fully functional quantum computers are a thing of the future, quantum simulators and sensors already have applications in many fields. They are used, for example, in physics, chemistry, materials engineering, geology, aviation and medicine. Many of these devices are being developed in Western Europe, the United States and Japan.

'Anyone interested, scientific institutions and companies alike, can gain access to them by purchasing computing time. However, using such devices alone is not enough. In order to fully use their potential, you need extensive knowledge of the quantum processes behind their operation. Therefore, establishing such a team of experts in Poland is an important step towards building national competences in this area', says Professor Marzena Szymańska from UCL, involved in the project.

The scientists explain in a press release sent to PAP that thanks to simulators, i.e. special devices that reproduce the behaviour of physical and chemical processes, it is possible to study phenomena that are impossible (or too expensive) to observe in laboratory conditions, such as high-temperature superconductivity, or chemical reactions and the behaviour of modern materials. One example is the so-called graphene from light, i.e. a simulation of the carbon structure, in which atoms have been replaced by photons in order to easier model the behaviour of molecules. In turn, gravitational field sensors are now used, for example, in military and passenger aviation as an alternative to GPS in situations of its disruption.

'We want everyone who works on quantum devices to know that there is a team in Warsaw that can help design and understand them', emphasises Krzysztof Pawłowski, PhD, director of the Center for Theoretical Physics PAS.

The Modelling Center for Quantum Technologies is currently being established within the institute. The unit will design and develop methods for describing complex quantum systems, and then make them available as open access software. It will also support other researchers and companies through consultations, training and advisory activities. In the long term, it will also deal with the certification of quantum devices.

However, as scientists emphasise, the key is to know how to use these tools.

'We want to avoid the simplification that +we are writing code+. Our goal is to develop knowledge: understanding what simplifications are acceptable, how to select the right methods for a specific phenomenon, how to design a system that will implement a specific quantum effect', Szymańska says.

'The source codes will be a tangible result of the project, but our product is not the codes themselves, but expert knowledge. Thanks to it, we can support the development of quantum technologies, provide consultations, and in the future also offer certification. We would also like to emphasize that we are not building a quantum computer or simulator. Those are physically created in other research centres, with our support', Pawłowski adds.

The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences is also preparing to conduct certification of quantum devices. It will develop tests and procedures that will allow to verify whether a given device actually uses quantum phenomena.

'When a company claims that its device generates quantum states, we are able to verify it. We design statistical tests that allow us to assess whether the device has achieved the desired quantum state, which will increase its capabilities; that will become increasingly important with the development of this sector', Pawłowski explains.

That is why his team intends to cooperate with the Polish Committee for Standardization to support the process of developing standards that meet the requirements of EU legislation. Products and services that meet the requirements of the so-called harmonized standards, can be freely marketed in the EU.

The project is planned for five years.

'In five years we want to be one of the leading centres in Europe that designs, tests and certifies quantum technologies. This is an investment in the future, in people, knowledge and development of a research centre', Pawłowski concludes. (PAP)

PAP - Science in Poland

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