IonQ Forte
Available Since 2022
Forte is the latest evolution towards a software-configurable quantum computer. Qubit and gate configuration can be tailored to user needs, creating a truly dynamic and flexible system.
IonQ's Highest Performing, Commercially Available Quantum Computer
IonQ and Airbus cargo loading optimization
Highlights:
- Developing quantum solutions for constrained optimization problem applied to cargo loading
- Using IonQ Forte, demonstrated largest variational optimization problem executed on a QPU
- Foundation for creating solutions platform for variational quantum algorithms
Industry use case highlights
.avif)
Quantum-accelerated drug development
In collaboration with AstraZeneca, AWS, and NVIDIA, IonQ executed the largest quantum-accelerated electronic structure simulation performed to date. This groundbreaking approach accelerated the complex chemistry simulation by at least 656 times.
.avif)
Enterprise-grade LLMs with quantum fine tuning
IonQ's quantum fine-tuning is a hybrid approach that adds a quantum layer to classical AI models. This method makes LLMs smarter and more efficient by capturing higher-dimensional patterns that classical systems miss.
.avif)
Advancing automotive materials with quantum AI
IonQ partnered with a leading global automotive manufacturer, applying quantum-classical AI to solve critical materials science challenges. Our model successfully generated higher-fidelity synthetic data for steel microstructures.
.avif)
Unlocking foundry-scale
quantum production
IonQ is pioneering the use of quantum-grade diamond thin films, a breakthrough that allows diamond quantum devices to be manufactured at an industrial scale. This approach leverages semiconductor techniques, dramatically simplifying manufacturing.
.avif)
Machine Learning Image Recognition
For self driving cars to become a reality, vehicles must interface with road signs in the physical world. In our work with Hyundai, we explored loading images of road signs into our quantum computers for analysis. With only 8 qubits, we successfully trained a quantum machine learning image recognition algorithm to recognize common road signs with fewer input parameters than comparable classical approaches.
Why Trapped
Ion Technology?
By adding full software configurability, Forte represents a major advancement over previous trapped ion systems. Beyond Forte, IonQ’s technical roadmap aims to deliver the full suite of trapped ion advantages below.
See how trapped ion technology works.svg)
Highest Gate Fidelity
Ion qubits have achieved the lowest gate error rate of any quantum technology.
Ion qubits are identical and naturally quantum. When isolated from the environment around them, ion qubits can be manipulated with a high degree of accuracy. Since qubit gate operation error compounds through the depth of a quantum algorithm, even small errors can make results unusable. We believe that trapped ions are the best way to produce the high-quality qubits needed to build fault tolerant quantum computers.
All-To-All Connectivity
Any qubit in the system can be directly entangled with any other qubit.
Thanks to all-to-all connectivity, IonQ’s trapped ion architecture offers unparalleled flexibility in algorithm design. Unlike the limited connectivity commonly found in superconducting architectures, trapped ion systems enable more accurate and more efficient circuits, improving algorithmic results.
Fully Software Configurable
IonQ’s trapped ion architecture can be configured to meet various computational demands.
Unlike other quantum technologies, trapped ion hardware is not limited by wiring or static qubit topology. Since our qubits are ions floating in space, the qubit structure, as well as the addressable control lasers, can be configured through IonQ’s proprietary control software. This control results in a system that can dynamically scale up or down based on customers needs.
Longest Coherence Times
Ion qubits have achieved the longest coherence times of any quantum technology.
Synthetic qubits, like superconducting loops, are fragile and only remain in their quantum state for a fraction of a second. Ions are naturally quantum and as a result, when left alone, remain in quantum states. This leads to longer coherence times and improved algorithm execution for longer circuits.
.svg)
Clear Path to Error Correction
We believe trapped ions will require fewer total qubits for error correction compared to other quantum.
We believe qubits with higher fidelity will require fewer total qubits to create a single logical, error corrected qubit. IonQ’s approach to developing a fault tolerant quantum computer, which will require scales much larger than today’s biggest quantum computers, is to manufacture the highest quality qubits possible, thus limiting the total number of qubits needed in a system.
Highest Gate Fidelity
Ion qubits have achieved the lowest gate error rate of any quantum technology.
Ion qubits are identical and naturally quantum. When isolated from the environment around them, ion qubits can be manipulated with a high degree of accuracy. Since qubit gate operation error compounds through the depth of a quantum algorithm, even small errors can make results unusable. We believe that trapped ions are the best way to produce the high-quality qubits needed to build fault tolerant quantum computers.
Explore Forte's Unique System Architecture
Forte System
Forte represents several innovations in both trapped ion technology and in quantum computing.
Learn more by selecting system components from the list above.
Software Configurable
The introduction of Acousto-optic Deflectors (AODs) in Forte’s laser system introduces new opportunities for system configurability. Forte’s operating system has been developed to enable new operating routines that can configure the system, on the fly, for optimal performance.
- Enables software configurability
- Optimized for IonQ hardware
- Circuit/task optimization built in
Improved Gate Operations
Forte’s innovative laser system adds individual beam steering capability, allowing for more precise control and manipulation of ion qubits, resulting in higher gate fidelities.
- Increased gate operation fidelity over Harmony and Aria
- Improved operational system uptime over Harmony and Aria
Improved System Uptime
With improved vacuum, the 2nd gen chamber in Forte has significantly higher ion chain stability and lower electrical noise, resulting in longer operational up-time and higher gate fidelities.
- Increased gate operation fidelity over 1st gen chamber
- Improved system operational uptime over Harmony
Improved Gate Operations
The combination of Forte’s laser system and the new, in-house designed ion trap, Iris, allows for deeper circuits to be executed with measurable results.
- More stable electromagnetic field reduces noise from ion micromotion
- Increased fidelity of gate operations
- Improved system uptime
Long Coherence Times
Yb-171+ is well suited to quantum computing. Its electronic structure allows for efficient laser cooling together with high performance state preparation, measurement, and gate operations.
- Long coherence times
- High gate operation fidelities
Explore other quantum systems
IonQ Aria
Our universally accessible, high-performing flagship quantum system
IonQ Tempo
Our commercial advantage capable computer for production applications
IonQ Forte
Our highest performing, commercially available quantum system
IonQ Forte Enterprise
Our rack mountable, on-prem system for production readiness and hybrid workflows with #AQ 36 and 36 qubits
Compare Systems
Explore and compare IonQ’s industry leading portfolio of quantum computers
Forte Specifications
Forte is the world's most useful quantum computer. #AQ measures the usefulness of a quantum computer. For example, with Forte's configurable error mitigation, #AQ 36 would mean you could successfully run quantum algorithms of ~980 entangling gates on up to 36 qubits.
36
With Configurable Error Mitigation
Algorithmic Qubits (#AQ) is a summary metric that counts the number of algorithmically “useful” qubits in a quantum system.
36
Qubit Count
The number of physical qubits in the system. The closer #AQ is to qubit count, the higher quality the qubits in the system.
0.02%
One-Qubit Gate Error
This characterization of 1Q gate infidelity is the 1Q randomized benchmarking error rate, as measured by Clifford Randomized Benchmarking and described in this paper. Forte's 1Q gate error is about two parts in ten thousand (0.02%).
0.4%
2-Qubit Gate Error
This characterization of Forte 2Q gates is the randomized benchmarking error rate, as measured by Direct Randomized Benchmarking. Forte's 2Q gate error is about forty parts in ten thousand (0.4%).
0.5%
SPAM Error
The average error introduced during state preparation and measurement. Forte's SPAM error is about fifty parts in ten thousand (0.5%), and our new Barium system can do about four in ten thousand. More on SPAM and Barium
10–100s, ~1s
T1 & T2 Time
Two factors of the amount of time a qubit “stays a qubit,” T1 measures how long you can tell what’s a one vs a zero, and T2 measures phase coherence.
.svg)
.svg)