A new computing principle

Shiro Saito, Hideki Gotoh

Non-von Neumann-type computers, such as quantum computers and Ising machines that operate on principles different from those of present-day computers, are attracting attention.They are particularly powerful when applied to specific types of problems such as combinatorial optimization problems, quantum chemical calculations, and prime factorization, and since solutions to problems such as these can have a significant impact on society, research of new-principle computers is moving forward at a vigorous pace.The following Feature Articles in this issue introduce theoretical and experimental activities regarding new-principle computers at NTT laboratories while describing recent advances in this field.

Simson Garfinkel, Rachel Grunspan

Masanori Ohya, Igor Vasil'evich Volovich

Jae‐Hee Han, Joonho Bae

Quantum computing is set to transform the field of materials science, offering computational methods that could far surpass conventional approaches for tackling intricate material design challenges. This review introduces the foundational principles of rapidly growing quantum computing and its application trends in the design and analysis of nanomaterials. We explain how quantum speedup, achieved through quantum algorithms utilizing qubit superposition and entanglement, is applied to material design. Additionally, the principles and research trends of quantum variational methods, including the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE), which has recently gained attention as a quantum algorithm simulation technique, will be discussed. By combining new techniques based on quantum algorithms with the quantum speed-up, the quantum computing is expected to offer new insights into data-intensive materials research and provide innovative methodologies for the development of new functional materials. With the advancement of quantum algorithms, the field of materials science could enter a new era, enabling more precise and efficient approaches in materials design and functional analysis.

Demur Vepkhvadze

The article discusses the basic principles of building a quantum computer, the purpose, description and main types of their basic information unit qubit. The principle scheme and working principle of a quantum computer are presented. Basic algorithms of quantum computing are discussed. A comparison of quantum computers with classical computers is given and the advantages of classical computers compared to them are shown. The possibilities and principles of optimal solution of a wide range of complex aviation tasks (optimization tasks, modeling and analysis of complex systems, processing of new aviation materials, air traffic management, etc.) are proposed in the case of using quantum computers in aviation.