On March 26, 2025, JPMorgan Chase, in collaboration with Quantinuum, Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Texas at Austin, announced a pivotal breakthrough in quantum computing.
Their joint research, published in Nature, demonstrated the first successful generation of Certified Quantum Randomness, a milestone that will have profound implications for industries relying on randomness, such as cryptography, privacy, and high-level simulations.
The Role of Quantum Computers in Generating Certified Randomness
Traditional computing methods rely on pseudorandom number generators, which, while effective, are not truly random and are susceptible to manipulation or breaches.
However, quantum computers generate random numbers through quantum superposition, making their results inherently unpredictable. In this breakthrough, the team used the 56-qubit Quantinuum System Model H2 quantum computer, which boasts high-fidelity and all-to-all qubit connectivity.
By applying a quantum protocol known as Random Circuit Sampling (RCS), they generated randomness that classical computers could not replicate in the same timeframe.
The protocol was a two-step process. First, the team created random challenge circuits and sent them to a remote quantum computer. The quantum system quickly returned the results, proving that classical computers, like, for example the ones online casino industry currently relies on, couldn’t generate the same outputs in such a short period.
Second, the team certified the randomness by using classical supercomputers to verify that the quantum-generated randomness could not be mimicked. This verification process involved using supercomputers with an impressive combined sustained performance of 1.1 ExaFLOPS (1.1 x 10^18 floating point operations per second).
Ultimately, the team certified 71,313 bits of entropy, demonstrating that the randomness was genuine.
Impact on Cryptography and Other Applications
This achievement is a game-changer, especially for cryptographic applications. In a world where security depends on the unpredictability of random numbers, quantum-generated randomness could revolutionize the way encryption keys are generated, enhancing the security of digital transactions and communications.
Dr. Marco Pistoia, Head of Global Technology Applied Research at JPMorgan, emphasized that this development goes beyond demonstrating quantum hardware advancements. It also provides a solution to real-world challenges, especially in fields like statistical sampling, numerical simulations, and cryptography.
In the future, this quantum computing breakthrough could significantly improve the security of industries reliant on robust encryption methods, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.
The implications extend far beyond randomness generation, as this milestone demonstrates that quantum computers can offer computational power far exceeding that of classical supercomputers.
The Path Ahead for Quantum Computing
While this breakthrough has already shown great potential, there is still much work to be done before it can be widely applied in real-world scenarios. Quantum computing, especially in the realm of cryptography, is still in its infancy.
Despite its capabilities, there are hurdles to overcome, such as the cost of verifying randomness and ensuring that quantum-generated data is compatible with existing systems.
Nevertheless, this achievement represents a significant leap toward realizing the true potential of quantum computing. Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, expressed optimism, stating that this milestone demonstrates the unmatched performance of trapped-ion quantum technology and sets a new standard for quantum security, which will influence industries such as finance and manufacturing.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Quantum Computing and Security
In conclusion, the research team’s success in generating Certified Quantum Randomness marks a major milestone in the quantum computing industry.
By demonstrating that quantum computers can generate and verify randomness beyond the capabilities of classical supercomputers, this breakthrough opens the door to advancements in cryptography, simulations, and various other sectors.
As quantum computing continues to evolve, this achievement paves the way for future developments that could reshape industries and redefine security protocols on a global scale.
Source:
“JPMorganChase, Quantinuum, Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and University of Texas at Austin advance the application of quantum computing to potential real-world use cases beyond the capabilities of classical computing”, pmorgan.com, March 26, 2025.
