Parts of the quantum computer in João Pessoa Secretary of Science and Technology of Paraíba The assembly of the first quantum computers in Latin America, which will be installed at the Quantum Computing Center of Paraíba (Ciquanta), in João Pessoa, should be completed by October this year. With an initial investment of approximately R$150 million, the space will house supercomputers capable of driving advances in complex areas, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and banking, logistics and prediction of new molecules for medicines. ? Click here to follow the g1 PB channel on WhatsApp ? The branch of quantum computing is an area of ??science that uses the application of principles of Quantum Physics, that is, the laws of Physics for very small particles, applied to computers, accelerating different types of processes, such as solving mathematical problems. According to the state secretary of Science and Technology, Cláudio Furtado, the first pieces will arrive in Paraíba in August. A team of technicians and researchers traveled to China to receive specific training to operate the machines. Quantum Computing Center (Ciquanta), the place where the quantum computers will be installed Secretary of Science and Technology of Paraíba Computer operates at very low temperatures Ciquanta, the place where the equipment will be installed, will operate at Estação das Artes, in João Pessoa, which is undergoing renovations and structural adjustments necessary to house cutting-edge technology. “The area where the computer will be located requires a minimum height of 6 meters and electromagnetic shielding, so it is being adapted to house the two computers on the bottom and around 30 cabinets, as well as meeting rooms and a restaurant for servers, on the upper floor,” he explained. Among the main technical requirements for receiving a quantum computer are also temperature control and environmental stability. “The chip works at very low temperatures, around 10 millikelvin, close to absolute zero, which is -273 degrees Celsius”, explained the secretary. To reach this temperature, a closed system will be used with a mixture of two chemical elements, helium-3 and helium-4. The structure will also feature an autonomous and redundant refrigeration system to ensure continuous operation of the equipment. Two quantum computers will be installed, with 20 and 100 qubits. Although the number seems small compared to the gigabytes of common computers, in quantum technology this capacity represents an unprecedented speed of calculation, capable of processing in moments a volume of data that traditional machines would not be able to resolve. “The 100-qubit and 20-qubit computer parts will arrive together and will be assembled one after the other, within the scheduled schedule between August and October,” he highlighted. Internal part of the building where the quantum computers will be installed Secretariat of Science and Technology of Paraíba Researchers will have access to the equipment Initial access to the computers will be intended for researchers from Paraíba, especially from universities such as the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) and Federal Institute of Paraíba (IFPB). “We already have researchers from these institutions participating in Ciquanta, in addition to Professor Amir Aldas Caldeira, from Unicamp, who will scientifically lead the work”, he informed. According to the secretary, the project includes technological transfer between the Chinese company CETC and Ciquanta at all levels of computer development. There will also be technology transfer in the area of ??cryogenics, sensors and computer operating systems. “We are going to assemble these two computers together, learn how to do it, and the idea is that the next equipment will be made locally, based on this learning”, he detailed. The population will also be able to learn about the technology up close, according to the secretary. The center will have an exhibition space dedicated to scientific dissemination. "There will be a replica of the working computer for visitors, with information about the history and functioning of quantum computing. The objective is to popularize science and show the practical uses of the technology," he said. In the secretary's view, the fact of being a pioneer in the use of quantum technology places Paraíba in a strategic position in Brazil and Latin America. The project should attract startups and promote the training of highly qualified professionals, boosting the state's technological development. “This is a global race and, with Ciquanta, Brazil places itself among the countries that develop this technology”, stated the secretary. Most watched videos from g1 Paraíba