Quantum computers have the potential to do things that not even the most powerful supercomputer can do, but the road to get there is far from easy. Still, the first applications of quantum computing are being investigated, and the first practical one might have just been performed. Researchers have recently generated random numbers in a way that could not be obtained with classical computers.
This is the certified randomness protocol, which has been devised by Scott Aaronson and Shih-Han Hung. The approach is similar to the “quantum supremacy” experiments – a series of calculations that a quantum processor can do faster than a regular supercomputer. The randomness protocol can instead be used in applications where randomly generated numbers are important, such as cryptography and privacy.
“When I first proposed my certified randomness protocol in 2018, I had no idea how long I’d need to wait to see an experimental demonstration of it,” Aaronson said in a statement. “Building upon the original protocol and realizing it is a first step toward using quantum computers to generate certified random bits for actual cryptographic applications.”
Classical computers cannot generate truly random numbers. There are some truly out-there solutions for dealing with that limitation, such as encrypting data using lava lamps (we are not kidding). Still, with a classical computer, it is possible for someone to crack the programming and so the encryption (or whatever other use it has). With a quantum computer, however, it is impossible for such an adversary to manipulate the computer and have the output still be certified as random.
The certified randomness protocol consists of two steps. The team feeds challenges to the quantum computer, and they can only be solved by picking one of the many solutions at random. Then, the randomness is certified using several supercomputers, some of which are the most advanced in the world. The team used the 56-qubit Quantinuum System Model H2 trapped-ion quantum computer, accessing it remotely and getting truly random numbers out.
“Today, we celebrate a pivotal milestone that brings quantum computing firmly into the realm of practical, real-world applications,” said Dr Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum. “Our application of certified quantum randomness not only demonstrates the unmatched performance of our trapped-ion technology but sets a new standard for delivering robust quantum security and enabling advanced simulations across industries like finance, manufacturing and beyond.”
Recently, researchers have used the architecture of quantum computers to do some modeling of one of the possible endings of the universe. Fully operational quantum computers are still a long way away, but the first successful steps toward this new way to compute things, are happening now.
The study is published in the journal Nature.
