IEEE Set to Bring Certainty to Quantum Computing Definitions

Quantum Computing might well represent the next evolution of compute, though right now there aren’t clear definitions for some of the core elements of the emerging technology.

A new effort formally announced by the IEEE Standards Association on Aug.23 aims to bring clarity to Quantum Computing with an official project to provide standard definitions for Quantum Computing. The official designation for the project is IEEE P7130.

“This standard addresses quantum computing-specific terminology and establishes definitions necessary to facilitate communication,” the abstract for the IEEE P7130 working group states.

Among the many core principles in Quantum Computing are physics terms, including super-position, quantum entanglement and quantum tunneling. There is also a concept known as the Heisenburg uncertainty principle, which is a quantum physics concept that may or may not have the same outcome with Quantum Computing.

“While Quantum Computing is poised for significant growth and advancement, the emergent industry is currently fragmented and lacks a common communications framework,” William Hurley, chair of the IEEE Quantum Computing Working Group, stated.

“IEEE P7130 marks an important milestone in the development of Quantum Computing by building consensus on a nomenclature that will bring the benefits of standardization, reduce confusion, and foster a more broadly accepted understanding for all stakeholders involved in advancing technology and solutions in the space,” Hurley continued.

IBM One of the Key Backers of IEEE P7130

Among the backers of the IEEE P7130 effort is IBM, which has been actively building a Quantum Computing platform it calls the IBM Q system. The IBM Q system is rated as a a five quantum bit (qubit) system

“IBM is part of quantum information’s history since its foundation more than 30 years ago, and we’ve been championing important terms, metrics, and scientific methods ever since,” Jerry Chow, manager, Experimental Quantum Computing, IBM Research and IEEE P7130 working group participant, stated.

“This standards project will help anyone from students to seasoned quantum scientists nucleate around a common language, while keeping up with the field’s rapid pace of change, and further accelerate pioneering experiments and explorations in quantum computing,” Chow continued.

Sean Michael Kerner is a senior editor at ServerWatch and InternetNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TechJournalist.