Biography
Dr. Koen Bertels, quantum computing and DNA researcher at FPGAHouse and Unveil, Switzerland
As a professor of Quantum Computer Engineering at Delft University of Technology (NL), Koen Bertels’ scientific research has focused on quantum computing, specifically on defining and implementing a scalable quantum computer system for scientific and operational applications. He convinced Intel to start its quantum computing research with QuTech, where he was involved. In that context, he developed the notion of the full stack of such a computer and developed the OpenQL programming language. His group developed the first microarchitecture for a quantum chip. He has now also transitioned to DNA data storage, not only for genetic data but also for any digital product. His citation index is 46. He currently works for FPGAHouse on the following three topics.
After starting 14 years ago in quantum computing at Delft University of Technology (NL), he has now moved almost exclusively to using perfect qubits and DNA based qubits. Perfect qubits exhibit no decoherence or errors in the quantum gates applied to them, regardless of the qubit technology. The notion of the perfect qubit, called PISQ (Perfect (qubits) Intermediate Scale Quantum), is an older theoretical concept. Still, it lets you think about the algorithmic solutions you want to study in any field without worrying about returning to the ground state or the various errors in quantum calculations. PISQ complements the NISQ approach, which emphasizes the physics-based challenges; the word ‘Noisy’ represents that. DNA-based qubits are an extension of the qubit technology being used by companies and universities. It has many features that promise an existential improvement compared to any qubit alternative, in terms of lifespan, low error rates, and more. In addition, a second line of closely related research is focusing on DNA data storage. DNA, the foundation of the genetic structure of all living organisms, is being considered by both the pharmaceutical industry and universities as an information storage medium. The new objective is to combine quantum computing with classical and DNA data storage technologies.
Abstract
Title: Are DNA-based quantum computing and DNA data storage the next scalable technology?
Abstract: Quantum computing has emerged as a new scientific field to develop the computational platform and technology for our planet. There are still too many qubit technologies in competition with each other, and it is not clear what technology will win that race. One aspect which is completely missing from the kind of research is how we will be storing the exponentially growing amounts of data. This presentation sketches the current research topics based on DNA for both computing and data storage. It is an open invitation to industry and universities to participate in the development of a technology that can be used for hundreds or even thousands of years.
