Performing Quantum Computing Experiments in the Cloud

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates four novel quantum information experiments using IBM's cloud-accessible quantum processor, highlighting the potential for wider access and development in quantum computing despite noise challenges.

Contribution

It presents the first demonstration of quantum error correction, quantum arithmetic, quantum graph theory, and fault-tolerant quantum computation via cloud-based hardware.

Findings

Correct results obtained despite noise

Successful implementation of advanced quantum protocols

Accessible quantum experiments enable broader research participation

Abstract

Quantum computing technology has reached a second renaissance in the past five years. Increased interest from both the private and public sector combined with extraordinary theoretical and experimental progress has solidified this technology as a major advancement in the 21st century. As anticipated by many, the first realisation of quantum computing technology would occur over the cloud, with users logging onto dedicated hardware over the classical internet. Recently IBM has released the {\em Quantum Experience} which allows users to access a five qubit quantum processor. In this paper we take advantage of this online availability of actual quantum hardware and present four quantum information experiments that have never been demonstrated before. We utilise the IBM chip to realise protocols in Quantum Error Correction, Quantum Arithmetic, Quantum graph theory and Fault-tolerant quantum computation, by accessing the device remotely through the cloud. While the results are subject to significant noise, the correct results are returned from the chip. This demonstrates the power of experimental groups opening up their technology to a wider audience and will hopefully allow for the next stage development in quantum information technology.