IBM Quantum Developer Conference 2024: A Focus on Performance and Usability

IBM's Quantum Developers Conference showcased significant progress in quantum computing, emphasizing performance and ease of use through hardware and software advancements, new tools, and collaborations. Hardware Improvements IBM continues to execute on its roadmap, achieving several key milestones. The Heron family remains their flagship quantum chip, with Heron R2 now boasting 156 qubits and improved gate fidelity through techniques like TLS mitigation, better coupler calibrations, and fractional gates. Multi-module systems are a key focus. Flamingo, connecting two Heron modules via L-couplers, targets over 300 qubits and is slated for release in the second half of 2025. Crossbill, consisting of three Heron modules connected with M-couplers, offers greater density than the previous 1121-qubit Condor test chip. For fault tolerance, IBM is developing a Q-LDPC error correction architecture requiring 6-way qubit connectivity. This necessitates new C-couplers and cryo-CMOS control chi…