Infleqtion research challenge at QRISE 2024: Quantum computer-aided design (QCAD) of atomic clocks

Challenge overview

In this research challenge you will discover ways to use quantum computers to improve the design of atomic clocks.

Background: Quantum computation and atomic clocks

Atomic clocks are an extremely useful quantum technology. The usage of atomic clocks in GPS satelites has enormous real-world impact. Improving atomic clocks is an important application of quantum computers. For example, this work shows how a quantum computer can be used to design a precise clock.

Challenge details

• Reproduce the results of this paper on a quantum computer of choice. If access to a quantum computer is not possible, use of a noisy simulator is acceptable.

• Use the collected results to list the pros and cons of building atomic clocks out of VQE.

• Form a theory about how fault tolerant quantum computers can be used to improve the design of atomic clocks. Use Misha Lukin's quote: "People already, I think, like Shimon, thinking about how to use some of these techniques to improve things like clocks" from this talk as inspiration.

Submission criteria

Fork this repository and add the complete Python code for your project including a write-up of your results to your fork. The write-up should include a brief description of what you learned by making atomic clocks out of VQE and how to use fault tolerant quantum computers to improve atomic clocks.

Useful resources

• Quantum computer-aided design
• Pushing the Limits of Quantum Sensing with Variational Quantum Circuits
• Optimal metrology with programmable quantum sensors
• Quantum Variational Optimization of Ramsey Interferometry and Atomic Clocks
• Quantum Clocks are More Accurate Than Classical Ones
• A multi-ensemble atomic clock enhanced using quantum computing tools