Quantum Energetic Advantage before Computational Advantage in Boson Sampling

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that quantum Boson Sampling can achieve lower energy consumption per sample than classical methods before surpassing classical computational speed, highlighting an energetic advantage in near-term quantum devices.

Contribution

The study introduces a quantitative framework linking energy costs, noise, and performance in Boson Sampling, revealing an energetic advantage prior to computational supremacy.

Findings

Quantum Boson Sampling can be more energy-efficient than classical algorithms.

A feasible architecture for near-term experimental observation of energetic advantage.

Identification of operating regimes optimizing energetic efficiency.

Abstract

Understanding the energetic efficiency of quantum computers is essential for assessing their scalability and for determining whether quantum technologies can outperform classical computation beyond runtime alone. In this work, we analyze the energy required to solve the Boson Sampling problem, a paradigmatic task for quantum advantage, using a realistic photonic quantum computing architecture. Using the Metric-Noise-Resource methodology, we establish a quantitative connection between experimental control parameters, dominant noise processes, and energetic resources through a performance metric tailored to Boson Sampling. We estimate the energy cost per sample and identify operating regimes that optimize energetic efficiency. By comparing the energy consumption of quantum and state-of-the-art classical implementations, we demonstrate the existence of a quantum energetic advantage -- defined as a lower energy cost per sample compared to the best-known classical implementation -- that emerges before the onset of computational advantage, even in regimes where classical algorithms remain faster. Finally, we propose an experimentally feasible Boson Sampling architecture, including a complete noise and loss budget, that enables a near-term observation of quantum energetic advantage.