Quantum computers have the potential to perform tasks beyond the capabilities of classical computers, but realizing this potential remains a significant challenge.
Researchers from JPMorganChase, Quantinuum, Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Texas at Austin have made a groundbreaking achievement in the field of quantum computing. They successfully demonstrated certified randomness using a 56-qubit quantum computer, marking a significant milestone in the industry.
Scott Aaronson, a renowned figure in the field of computer science, expressed his excitement about the experimental demonstration of the certified randomness protocol. This achievement paves the way for using quantum computers to generate certified random bits for cryptographic applications.
While Google researchers achieved quantum supremacy last year, converting this power into practical tasks remained a challenge. The recent study addressed this challenge by using random circuit sampling to generate certified randomness. This method ensures the integrity of the randomness certification even if someone gains control of the quantum computer.
The team accessed a 56-qubit Quantinuum quantum computer over the internet and successfully generated verified random bits using the Random Circuit Sampling protocol. This protocol involves feeding challenges to the quantum computer for quick solutions and mathematically certifying the randomness using classical supercomputers.
Classical methods proved incapable of replicating quantum randomness, as demonstrated by the team using high-performance supercomputers with a combined processing power of 1.1 ExaFLOPS. The certification of 71,313 entropy bits confirmed the authenticity of the random bits.
Marco Pistoia, Head of Global Technology Applied Research at JPMorganChase, emphasized the significance of this milestone in quantum computing. He highlighted the solution to a real-world challenge using a quantum computer beyond the capabilities of classical supercomputers.
The development of certified randomness showcases advancements in quantum hardware and holds importance for further research, statistical sampling, numerical simulations, and cryptography.
Journal Reference
- Liu, M., Shaydulin, R., Niroula, P. et al. Certified randomness using a trapped-ion quantum processor. Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08737-1
