Cycle benchmarking helps quantum computing users to determine the comparative value of competing hardware platforms and increase the capability of each platform to deliver robust solutions for their applications of interest. This method determines the total probability of error under any given quantum computing applications when the application is implemented through randomized compiling. This means it provides the first cross-platform means of measuring and comparing capabilities of quantum processors that is customized to users' applications of interest. "Is the first method for reliably checking if you are on the right track for scaling up the overall design" said Wallman. The breakthrough comes as the quantum computing race is rapidly heating up, and the number of platforms and offerings is quickly expanding. The IQC spin-off Quantum Benchmark Inc. has already licensed this technology to several world-leading providers, including Google's Quantum AI.

https://phys.org/news/2019-11-milestone-quantum-standardization.html