Definition
Quantum Volume is a metric system developed by IBM to measure the performance and capability of a quantum computer.
It considers various factors beyond just the number of qubits to provide a holistic benchmark for assessing and comparing the power and effectiveness of quantum computers.
How Does Quantum Volume Work?
In classical computing, a bit is the basic unit of information, which can be a 0 or 1. This is the foundation for all data processing, such as CPU and RAM.
However, a unit of information in quantum computing is known as a qubit (quantum bit), which can exist simultaneously in a state of 0, 1, or both because of quantum superposition. This capability enables quantum computers to process more complex calculations than classical bits.
The calculation of quantum volume involves:
- Define the model circuit: The circuit’s width and depth must match the number of qubits and incorporate a sequence of randomly chosen gates.
- Running the circuit: This circuit is executed on a quantum computer to test its ability to handle and perform the operations with minimal errors.
- Examining and computing the quantum volume: The outputs are matched against the expected results, enabling the calculation of the quantum volume.