US tool could boost quantum computing and dark matter searches

Scientists in the US have been developing a smart agent that could automatically tune sensitive quantum devices and accelerate quantum computing and the hunt for elusive dark matter.

The artificial intelligence (AI) system is currently being tested by researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. The agent could reportedly control quantum-noise-limited parametric amplifiers.

These ultra-low-noise microwave devices are used to strengthen extremely weak signals set by quantum mechanics and introduce almost no additional noise. In addition, they’re used in experiments searching for dark matter and in systems that read information from superconducting quantum bits, or qubits.

However, operating them can require skilled physicists to adjust settings and test the results for hours. To tackle that issue, the PNNL team led by Christian Boutan, PhD, came up with an AI system to automate the task. The project, called AQUA-WOLF (or Autonomous Quantum Amplifier Workflow Optimization and Learning Framework), is supported by the US Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission.

AI fine-tunes amplifiers

The novel technology could support the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX), which searches for hypothetical particles called axions. The experiment is rather unusual for a dark matter detector, as it is not located deep underground.