量子计算概念、现状和国会考虑（英）-美国国会研究局-2023.9.7-26页_500kb

Quantum Computing Report Summary

What This Report Covers

• Quantum Computing Concepts: Defines key terms like qubits, superposition, and entanglement, emphasizing how quantum computing differs from classical computing by leveraging quantum properties to potentially solve complex problems faster.
• Current State: Discusses recent advancements in quantum computing, including demonstrations of quantum advantage (e.g., Google's work) and challenges like error correction and reliability issues.
• Federal Law and Funding: Details the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQI Act) and related legislation, outlining authorized R&D activities across agencies like NIST, NSF, and DOE.
• Policy Considerations for Congress: Recommends actions such as reauthorizing NQI Act funding, ensuring U.S. leadership through practical applications and supply chain development, and addressing national security risks like post-quantum cryptography.
• Other Quantum Technologies: Briefly covers quantum networking and sensing as complementary fields.

Key Findings

• Quantum computing uses qubits to harness superposition and entanglement for faster computations on specific tasks, such as cryptography and optimization.
• Recent milestones include demonstrating quantum speedup and improving error rates, but practical, reliable quantum systems remain distant due to noise and scaling challenges.
• The NQI Act funds various R&D initiatives set to expire in FY2023, with progress noted in quantum hardware and algorithms.
• Congress can focus on reauthorizing funding, promoting U.S. leadership, and safeguarding against security threats from quantum computers.

Policy Recommendations

• Reauthorize NQI Act Activities: Extend funding for NSF, DOE, and NIST programs to accelerate innovation.
• Ensure U.S. Leadership: Prioritize near-term applications, supply chain resilience, and workforce development in quantum computing.
• Protect National Security: Develop post-quantum cryptography to counter risks from quantum-enabled code-breaking, while monitoring advancements that could threaten current encryption standards.
• Address Workforce and Supply Chain: Support education and domestic manufacturing to build a skilled quantum workforce and secure supply chains.