On the potentials of quantum computing – An interview with Heike Riel from IBM Research

In this interview, Dr. Heike Riel, a leading scientist and Fellow at IBM Research, reports on the current state of research in the field of quantum computing. Building on the distinction of gateable quantum computers and quantum annealers, the interview sheds light on how research has evolved on gateable quantum computers, which are the path developed by IBM. These gateable quantum computers are described with their current status as well as the improvements and challenges regarding speed, scale, and quality. All three parameters are important for increasing the performance of these universal quantum computers and for leveraging their potentials compared to classical computers. In particular, complex mathematical problems being present in numerous applications in science and business may be solved. Among the examples mentioned are optimization problems that tend to scale exponentially with the number of parameters, for example, in material and natural sciences or simulation problems in the financial industry and in manufacturing. The interview concludes with a critical assessment of possible risks and expectations for the future.