Quantum Blockchain Architecture
In a new research paper, “Blockchain with Proof of Quantum Work,” D-Wave introduces a novel blockchain architecture that could enhance blockchain security and efficiency by using techniques from its quantum supremacy demonstration.
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Distributed Quantum Computing for Blockchain
D-Wave executes the first-ever demonstration of distributed quantum computing, deploying blockchain across four cloud-based annealing quantum computers in Canada and the United States. The new research paper, “Blockchain with Proof of Quantum Work,” highlights how D-Wave built and tested a “proof of quantum” algorithm that uses quantum computation to generate and validate blockchain hashes. The resulting techniques demonstrated that D-Wave’s quantum blockchain architecture could enhance security and significantly reduce electricity costs.
D-Wave's research is the first time a blockchain has successfully operated on a distributed network of four quantum computers.
First to Demonstrate Quantum Supremacy on Useful, Real-World Problem
Blockchains rely on hashing, a mathematical function that acts like a digital fingerprint. Hashing is used to encrypt transactions, and "proof of work" algorithms validate those transactions. Classical computers currently used for hashing and proof of work consume significant amounts of electricity. Each year, the power consumption of Bitcoin alone—just one application of blockchain— is estimated to be comparable to the power consumption of the entire country of Poland.
The research introduces a new quantum-powered method to securely and efficiently create hashes by mapping mathematical functions to the complex programmable spin glasses simulated in D-Wave's recent supremacy demonstration. The proof of quantum algorithm presented in the paper is designed to incorporate hashes generated by a quantum computer, excluding classical computation from the process and adding an enhanced layer of security.
An illustration from a new research paper published by D-Wave introducing a novel blockchain architecture that leverages the company’s quantum supremacy achievement. The illustration depicts how a “proof of quantum” algorithm developed by D-Wave uses quantum computation to generate and validate blockchain hashes.
The Compute
D-Wave scientists deployed the blockchain architecture across four of its cloud-based annealing quantum computers in Canada and the U.S., performing distributed quantum computing for the first time.
The Result
D-Wave’s quantum systems were able to cross-validate each other and facilitate stable blockchain operation for thousands of transaction blocks.
The Impact
D-Wave’s research indicates that using quantum computation for hashing and proof of work could enhance security and require a fraction of the electricity used by classical resources.
Behind the Research
“In another industry-first, D-Wave is delivering an exciting new blockchain application with potential for broad usage across businesses. This useful application is another example of how D-Wave is helping the world realize the value of quantum computing today. We invite the blockchain community to work with us to utilize this exciting application.”
Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave
"This is the first time a blockchain has successfully operated on a distributed network of four quantum computers across two countries. Despite spanning two generations of D-Wave annealing quantum computers with different architectures and fabrication stacks, the systems’ outputs were consistent enough to cross-validate each other and enable stable blockchain operation for thousands of transaction blocks. We believe that this approach could cut costs and enhance security."
Dr. Mohammad Amin, chief scientist at D-Wave
Get Access
The D-Wave annealing quantum computers used in this blockchain application and the supremacy demonstration are available for customers to use today via D-Wave's Leap real-time quantum cloud service.
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