Boeing Quantum Technology Projects Overview

Overview of Boeing's Quantum Technology Projects

  • Boeing is involved in multiple quantum technology projects, focusing on:
    • Compact optical clocks and time transfer methods.
    • Quantum navigation systems.
    • Magnetometers for specific applications.
    • Quantum microelectronics and control systems.
    • Quantum defense applications, including information security, post-quantum encryption, and key management.

Quantum Computing Applications Team

  • Team's involvement with the DARPA CLON benchmarking initiative.
  • Detailed analysis of three challenging applications relevant to the aerospace industry, including:
    1. Modeling aqueous and high-temperature corrosion:
    • Understanding chemical reactions that occur in systems like solid, liquid, and gaseous interfaces.
    • Computational challenges in solving these problems, requiring breakdown into smaller components.
    • Large resource estimations indicating the scale of computational requirements (up to 101310^{13} gates), beyond current classical and quantum capabilities.
    1. Photo degradation of epoxy resin in composite materials:
    • Analysis of how exposure to solar radiation affects epoxy bonds.
    • Focus on energy landscape transitions and product states in chemical reactions.
    • Two main quantum methods deployed:
      • Sample-based quantum diagonalization: Combination of quantum algorithms and classical methods to minimize Hamiltonian and find eigenvalues.
      • Generalized entanglement forging: Splitting problems to run on multiple quantum computers and then classically combine results.
    • Performance seen in 23-qubit and anticipated 51-qubit systems indicating trends in computational challenges and time for evaluation.

Q4S Experiment Update

  • Q4S aims to demonstrate quantum entanglement swapping in space.
  • Launch scheduled for next year, designed for a year-long mission in a sun-synchronous orbit with goals include:
    • Generalizing protocols for quantum communication networks.
    • Evaluating components necessary for entanglement swapping.
  • Entanglement swapping process:
    1. Generation of entangled photon pairs via higher energy photon conversion.
    2. Using a Bell state measurement device to confirm entanglement of photon pairs.
    3. Extending communication networks by transferring entanglement between photon pairs.

Experiment Design and Validation Process

  • Initial concept defined and followed through to detailed trade studies for system design.
  • Transition from benchtop validation to integrated design for satellite payload:
    • Completed environmental testing and ongoing vibrational testing.
    • Payload specifications:
    • Volume: Approximately 10 liters
    • Power requirement: 65 watts
    • Weight: Initially 20 kg; validated at 15.6 kg.

Performance Evaluation and Challenges

  • The system aims for high-fidelity swaps per hour.
  • Need for robust performance despite varying temperatures (temperature changes from degrees to fractions of degrees per minute).
  • Introduction of new algorithms to maintain stable data collection and processing under environmental shifts.
  • Successful validation of single photon sources over extended periods during environmental tests.

Future Directions

  • Aim to contribute to developing quantum networks that can secure and combine vast amounts of information from global sensors, enhancing future protocol use in various sectors.