RPI Quantum System One

Introduction[edit]

On June 28, 2023, it was announced Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) would be the world’s first university to host an IBM Quantum System One [3]. This superconducting quantum computer utilizes a 127-Qubit Quantum ‘Eagle’ processor produced by IBM. At a cost of $150 million partially funded by RPI’s Board of Trustee Vice President Curtis R. Priem, Co-Founder of NVIDIA Corp, the completed project was unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 5, 2024 [1][2]. An upgrade to the system is set to occur in 2026 according to the initial agreement between RPI and IBM [3]. At the time of installation, IBM claims the Quantum Eagle Processor has is able to perform utility-scale calculations, meaning it is at a point where it can solve a new scale of problems not possible through classical means [1].

RPI Quantum System One in the VCC. [1]

IBM Quantum System One[edit]

The IBM Quantum System One is the world’s first superconducting quantum computers commercially available. The system was not only designed by IBM Research scientists and engineers, but also through collaboration with the UK-based Map Project Office, Universal Design Studios, and Goppion. The final product is a central chandelier surrounded by a nine-foot by nine-foot cubic glass encasement. At the heart of the design is an IBM quantum processor utilizing qubits or quantum bits made from superconducting materials at extremely low temperatures [6][7].

Quantum Computing[edit]

Quantum computing is centered around calculations involving qubits which can be created in a multitude of ways:

Superconducting, Trapped Ion, Quantum Dots, Photons, Neutral Atoms, etc.

Unique from classical computer bits, qubits offer the special characteristic of superposition in addition to classical states of zero and one which can help aid in solving extremely complex problems involving many interacting variables. Note, for most day-to-day problems classical computing will likely remain the best solution. An additional challenge working with qubits is their extreme sensitivity to environmental factors, making noise an unavoidable obstacle. For this reason, error and noise mitigation is at the forefront of research in the field [8].

Quantum Computing on Campus[edit]

As one of the first universities where students have unlimited access to quantum computing hardware many quantum centric activities have formed. Several professors of the physics department are actively involved in projects in quantum computing and quantum information including:

Joel Giedt, Xiangyi Meng, Moussa Ngom, Jian Shi, Ravishankar Sundararaman, Humberto Terrones Maldonado, Damien West, and Esther Wertz [4]

In addition, many professors outside of the physics department are also involved in quantum computing research:

W Randolph Franklin, Nistha Langer, Fabian Faulstich, Zhiding Liang, and Brian McDermott [5]

On top of the many courses existing in quantum physics, RPI is now the first university to offer a course focused on explaining the basics of quantum computing for engineering purposes (MANE 4960: Quantum Computing for Engineering). The availability of a machine on campus allows for the quick demonstration of quantum computing principles that would be unattainable otherwise.

The RPI Quantum Computing Club was also formed shortly after the announcement of the system installation. The club focuses on introducing quantum to people interested in the field, as well as being a place for those more knowledgeable to collaborate.