In a recent study conducted by a team of scientists from the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Rigetti Computing, and the NASA Ames Research Center, a significant step has been taken toward the challenging task of combinatorial optimization to harness the power of quantum computers.. Specifically, this research is part of the DARPA Optimization with Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (ONISQ) program, awarded to USRA in 2019 for the purpose of directing a tight scientific collaboration between USRA, NASA, and Rigetti Computing to improve quantum computing technology.  There will be a focus on developing fundamental advances in quantum optimization methods that will have a significant impact on the future of the field. The future capabilities of the military
The future capabilities of the military
The issue of noise in quantum hardware has been a persistent one and in order to mitigate this issue, researchers have developed an innovative quantum algorithm that draws on recent advances in quantum hybrid optimization and is based on these advances. As a result of this algorithm, in the presence of strong hardware noise, it outperforms its classical "greedy" counterpart.
Using a cutting-edge programmable superconducting quantum computer (the Rigetti AspenTM-M-3 system) featuring up to 72 qubits, this research represents a major milestone in our understanding of the requirements of quantum advantage. In Science Advances, the paper "Quantum-Enhanced Greedy Combinatorial Optimization Solver" has just been published about the results of this study.

Source prnewswire