Quantum Experts: "Korea's Semiconductor Technology Will Be a Stepping Stone to Becoming a Quantum Power"

Outlook at the 'Quantum Korea' Press Conference on the 27th

"Korea possesses the best semiconductor process technology. Based on this, it can emerge as a powerhouse in quantum science technologies such as quantum computing."

World-renowned quantum science and technology experts stated on the 27th that "Korea can leap forward as a quantum powerhouse based on its outstanding semiconductor technology." From the left in the photo are Professor Jeongsang Kim of Duke University, Professor John Martinis of UC Santa Barbara, Researcher Charles Bennett of IBM, and Professor Myungsik Kim of Imperial College London. Photo by XXX

This was the advice given by world-renowned quantum science scholars to Korea on the afternoon of the 27th. Four experts?Charles Bennett, IBM researcher; John Martinis, professor at UC Santa Barbara; Myungsik Kim, professor at Imperial College London; and Jungsang Kim, professor at Duke University and Chief Technology Officer of IonQ?held a press conference at the Quantum Korea 2023 event held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul that afternoon and made these remarks.

- The Korean government announced today a goal to develop a 1,000-qubit quantum computer by 2035. What do you think about this?

▲ (Martinis) Many companies worldwide are currently setting roadmaps, and the 1,000-qubit level is on the horizon. Google seems to be a few years away and plans to develop up to 1 million qubits. The key is to create qubits with good performance while reducing errors.

(Kim Myungsik) When dreaming and setting goals, people often ask whether it is 'good,' but they do not always consider whether it is realistically feasible. Even in the U.S., when applying for grants, they look at whether it is 'good.'

- How do you assess the level of Korea's quantum science technology?

▲ (Kim Youngsik) It is not important to ask how advanced Korea's level is. Recently, the first author of an IBM paper was Dr. Kim Youngsik, a Korean. Quantum computing requires various technologies. If you want to build a quantum computer, you need to look at what technologies you currently have. It is important to know what you do well and what you lack.

(Jungsang Kim) Korea's semiconductor manufacturing process is extremely advanced. Utilizing that can serve as foundational technology for building quantum computers. Ion traps also use semiconductor-based traps to hold qubits. If Korea develops technology to create next-generation quantum semiconductors by leveraging existing semiconductor know-how, there is a future here.

(Martinis) Korea has amazing technology. For example, it possesses remarkable process technology like semiconductor fabs. It has excellent human resources and many capable people. Of course, securing intellectual property rights may take time. However, the national effort itself is very meaningful. It is necessary to start now for international contributions. Given Korea's technological capabilities, I believe it will develop very rapidly. The quantum computers people want to build are very large and require control system technology. Korea can contribute because it has good chip technology related to this.

- Is quantum computing a game changer? What kind of world can it create?

▲ (Bennett) I do not particularly like terms like killer apps or game changers. Scientific knowledge accumulates gradually and incrementally. The important thing is that big applications will emerge through quantum information technology, but misunderstandings still exist. Quantum computers will follow the laws of nature and enable all existing simulations in physics and chemistry. They will help simulate catalysts, drugs, building materials, and calculate and create things not yet designed.

(Martinis) It is wrong to think that quantum computers will perform all calculations extremely fast. They can do so for some problems. However, things unimaginable 20 years ago are happening now. That is the essence of science. I have great expectations for what will happen in the field going forward.

- Various types of quantum computers are being developed. Which one is the most promising?

▲ (Martinis) It is difficult to say now which quantum computer will be the best. Everyone will claim theirs is the best. What is important at this point is that diverse research is possible. With a lot of funding coming in, it has become an era where many experiments can be tried. I prefer the superconducting method, which already has significant investment and developed technology. Of course, other technologies are also striving for mass production. We need to watch a bit longer.

- The Korean government announced its quantum strategy. What stands out or what do you find lacking?

▲ (Jungsang Kim) The advantage is that it provides opportunities to nurture excellent talent and enter various quantum research frontiers, as well as opportunities for diverse collaborations. What is regrettable is that, although it may be impossible, efforts are needed to find currently unseen opportunities. Korea started late, so it needs to consider whether it can lead in next-generation quantum computers and what strategies to devise. I hope young and enterprising researchers are supported to conduct research with leading strategies.

- What barriers must be overcome for the mass production of quantum computers?

▲ (Martinis) In fact, there is a rule that "everything is difficult" with quantum computers. The superconducting method requires maintaining ultra-low temperatures and miniaturizing the system. The ion trap method requires an ultra-high vacuum. Every type of quantum computer has obstacles and challenges. That makes it more interesting. However, superconducting methods have made remarkable progress over 20 years. I do not know which will be mass-produced first.

(Jungsang Kim) The competition among different methods has lasted a long time. They are good friends but different. There has been a productive and good relationship. When they discuss and learn from each other, understanding of the technology improves. The first computers were large, but now they have shrunk to smartphones. Ion traps do not require superconductivity but need a vacuum. Recently, vacuum chambers smaller than a water bottle have been developed, showing remarkable progress, and that will enable mass production.

- Please give a word to young people who want to enter quantum science technology.

▲ (Jungsang Kim) Now is a very good time. There are many fields for young scientists with pioneering spirit to jump into. A tip for young people: this field has a lot of uncertainty. The future is inherently uncertain. Just jump in. Then, instead of a closed future, you will be able to change the future with confidence.

(Martinis) Even 20 years ago, we seriously talked about the future and said it would take 100 years, but now it has developed like this.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.