#qcore

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The Silent Revolution: Topology Changes Quantum Computing's Resilience

In the race to build a quantum computer, speed and survival are the major challenges. At a Montana State University Quantum Collaborative Research and Education (QCORE) seminar, theoretical physicist David Ayala introduced Topological Quantum Computing, a novel approach. Ayala spoke to a group of scientists and engineers on October 22, 2025, explaining how topology, a branch of mathematics, provides the “armour” needed to protect delicate quantum information from chaotic interference.

Fragility of Quantum State

The session began with quantum systems' “extraordinary challenge”—extreme fragility. Even minor thermal noise, electromagnetic interference, or material imperfections can impair conventional quantum bits, or qubits. Researchers battle this noise in conventional approaches by adding complex error-correction procedures to the hardware and using redundancy to detect and fix faults.

Ayala proposed a passive path integrated into the system's architecture. Topological quantum computing encodes information in global properties that resist local disturbances, preventing errors rather than correcting them.

Topology Beyond Local Properties

Ayala described this “global” approach with a knot metaphor. Traditional quantum computers store information about local properties like a particle's spin orientation in space. An incorrect magnetic field nudging the particle erases the data.

On the other hand, topological data is like a string knot. Knots are global characteristics of string structure and cannot be unraveled by gently pulling at a small section. Topology studies qualities that do not change under smooth, local changes. If a disturbance doesn't “cut” or “re-tie” the quantum system's connection, the data is unaffected.

Two-Dimensional Breakthrough: Anyons

Ayala spent a lot of time explaining why two-dimensional systems are the “magic” setting for this technology. Our familiar three-dimensional environment has bosons and fermions. The wavefunction of two bosons is the same when their locations are switched, while fermions have a negative sign.

Physics differs in two dimensions. Two-dimensional anyons are more mobile than other particles. Not always being able to twist these pathways into each other creates new particle statistics. Ayala focused on non-Abelian anyons, where particle exchanges influence the final quantum state. Topological computing relies on mathematical “non-commutativity”.

Computation by Braiding

The lecture's biggest takeaway was braiding. Topological quantum computers compute by physically wrapping anyons around each other in spacetime rather than directing laser pulses.

Every “braid” has a logic gate. The computation's output depends only on the braid's topology, not the particles' specific, wobbly journey, making it impervious to local defects. Ayala noted that the calculation is the geometry of these spacetime worldlines.

Long Road to Physical Realization

Even while the theoretical “Fibonacci anyon model” shows that these devices can do any quantum calculation, actual reality remains difficult. Ayala, who acknowledged the experimental limitations, said these systems require “ultra-clean” materials, intense temperature control, and unique quasiparticles. Candidates include topological superconductors and fractional quantum Hall systems, which are notoriously difficult to develop and maintain.

Ayala said in a Q&A that topology is not a “silver bullet” that will eliminate all error correction. It protects against local noise but cannot prevent system setup errors. Instead, hybrid approaches with conventional methods handling the rest and topological protection managing the most delicate tasks are likely.

The Growing Impact of QCORE

The presentation takes place when MSU's QCORE grows quickly. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded the university a $31.5 million contract to expand quantum test beds and research capabilities. Montana just created a quantum entanglement network utilizing Qunnect's Carina suite, solidifying its role in the quantum ecosystem.

Quantum Collaborative Research and Education

Montana State University opens its first QCORE facility. Novera Rigetti Quantum PC

Montana State University's (MSU) QCORE (Quantum Collaborative Research and Education) centre opened, advancing quantum technologies. This state-of-the-art, 12,600-square-foot interdisciplinary research centre on MSU's Innovation Campus revolutionises quantum education, research, and economic growth. A 9-qubit Rigetti Novera Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) from Rigetti Computing makes MSU the first university in the world to have a quantum computer on campus. This immediate, practical access to cutting-edge quantum gear should accelerate workforce development and research.

Construction of the QCORE facility shows cooperation and financial commitment. About 60 organisations back it. In 2023, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) provided MSU $44.7 million to buy specialised equipment, a major financial boost. QCORE has two ORCA PT Series photonic quantum devices and one of five global quantum network test beds, including the Rigetti Novera.

MSU's Spectrum Lab, a key component of QCORE, received a $18 million AFRL award to construct a multi-node network that smoothly integrates traditional and quantum networking. QCORE aims to train workers in quantum technology, thrive academically, and boost the economy. Research translation, startup business incubators, and workforce education are some of the projects that fall under this goal.

QCORE relies on Rigetti's Novera QPU, a 9-qubit quantum processing unit based on Ankaa-class architecture. This architecture's square lattice design and customisable couplers enable dense connectivity and fast two-qubit computations.

Rigetti's Fab-1, the first integrated and dedicated quantum device production facility, makes the QPU. This innovative system is on-site, giving researchers unrivalled access for experimentation and creation. Rigetti and MSU's MOU shows their commitment to a strategic partnership. Co-creation and rigorous testing of enabling technologies and quantum system components, extensive workforce development, and collaborative research projects on quantum hardware and hybrid quantum systems will be the main focus of this collaboration.

Rigetti will also train workers, cultivate regional talent, and possibly advise QCORE on research and program development. These coordinated initiatives demonstrate the importance of public-private partnerships for quantum technology. MSU and Rigetti leaders are thrilled about our relationship. Dr Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO, said, “Hands-on access to the technology is key for research and workforce development.” Rigetti said he is delighted to have supported QCORE and looks forward to helping Montana improve its quantum capabilities.

Dr Jayne Morrow, CEO of QCORE, said the Rigetti system can “drive research and innovation benefiting Montanans and people around the world”. The Rigetti system is “a new modality of quantum computing” and Montana has contributed to quantum system components, she said.

As part of his research partnerships with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Information Directorate Quantum Information Sciences & Technology Branch, Rigetti Novera will “leverage industry fabrication and manufacturing capabilities to develop customised quantum systems for research and development in quantum networking hardware” (through an Indefinite Delivery I), according to Dr. Matthew D. LaHaye. A Novera QPU at the AFRL is a “testbed for quantum computing research and development,” he said.

Successfully installing the Rigetti Novera is a major step towards developing scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers. It also aids the National Quantum Computing Centre's testbeds. Since 2017, Rigetti Computing, a prominent full-stack quantum-classical computing startup, has offered cloud access to its quantum computers. In 2021, the company began selling national labs and quantum computing centres on-premises 24–84 qubit quantum computing equipment.

For the greater research and development community, the 9-qubit Novera QPU was launched in 2023 as a high-performance, on-premises QPU that can be smoothly connected with a customer's cryogenic and control systems.

To support quantum computing applications, Rigetti's quantum-classical infrastructure integrates with public and private clouds at fast speeds. The company has achieved a milestone by developing the first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. Fab-1 makes chips internally.

To celebrate the QCORE facility's launch, a three-day Grand Challenges in Quantum Systems Summit begins on August 20. In addition to panel discussions and presentations from over 35 businesses and organisations, this summit will feature AFRL and University of Maryland keynote speakers.

In conclusion