Bosonic modes

We often think of qubits or “quantum bits” as the fundamental building block of quantum computing, but with the new Bosonic Qiskit package, we’re inviting users to explore a new quantum paradigm. Read more in our latest for the Qiskit blog: https://ibm.co/3IpriuO

Qubits are two-level quantum systems that store quantum information in an arbitrary superposition of two possible states, |0⟩ and |1⟩. However, for some applications, it can be useful to employ alternative schemes that use many levels, rather than just two.

To do this, we use hardware that replaces or supplements traditional qubits with *bosonic modes*, a.k.a. “qumodes.” Qumodes aren't limited to just two levels; they offer a countably infinite number of basis states — |n⟩ — where n can be any integer from zero to infinity.

With Bosonic Qiskit, users can construct, simulate and analyze quantum circuits that include both qumodes and qubits, all in a familiar Qiskit workflow. We believe this will bring enormous benefits to applications like quantum error correction and quantum simulation.

For more on the benefits of qumode, the features included in the new Bosonic Qiskit package, and detailed examples of how Bosonic Qiskit can serve as a valuable development and co-design tool, check out the full blog: https://ibm.co/3IpriuO

[Image description: (a) Whereas a qubit has two levels, a qumode (equivalent to a quantum harmonic oscillator) is formally described by an infinite number of levels. (b) A few examples of experimental quantum computing platforms that support both qumodes and qubits. While the current gate set implemented in Bosonic Qiskit is tailored towards circuit QED, it can be used to simulate qumodes in a variety of platforms.]