The conference SIGBOVIK (Special Interest Group on Harry Q. Bovik) is an annual academic event organized by Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science (USA). This is an initiative that openly celebrates the humorous approach in the field of information technology and computer sciences. During SIGBOVIK, university students present articles and projects that often mix satire and parodies with serious technical topics. The main goal is not so much the production of rigorous research, but rather the creative exploration of interesting, funny or unusual ideas in computer science.
The term “Quantum advantage” refers to the point at which quantum computers outperform classical computers in performing certain tasks. IBM is actively involved in the development of advanced quantum technologies and has achieved important milestones in the sector. Recently, for example, Big Blue presented its 1,121 qubit Condor quantum processors.
Commodore 64 against a 127-qubit IBM Eagle quantum system
The quantum processor IBM Eagle, unveiled in 2023, has attracted interest for its ability to reduce noise and errors, two of the main obstacles that need to be overcome to make quantum computers more useful and reliable. Eagle was the first to exceed the 100 qubit threshold (in another article we see what qubits are) and was presented alongside the modular system System Two.
On page 199 and following of the white paper presented during SIGBOVIK 2024, the authors of the text aim to demonstrate how a Commodore 64 may prove to be more performing, after more than 40 years, than a modern quantum computer.
The premise made by the speakers of the Qommodore 64 project is that it is, obviously, a joke which however has a clear flavor of provocation. The experiment is based on the use of the Pauli sparse dynamics technique, developed by Beguŝić, Hejazi and Chan to approximate the behavior of ferromagnetic materials.
The joking provocation: Quantum Disadvantage
IBM claimed that the calculations underlying these studies were too complex to be carried out on a traditional computer based on the use of binary code. At least with a precision defined as “acceptable”. In reality, other researchers have shown that a normal notebook is enough to obtain reliable results, with a more than sufficient approximation.
Making fun of IBM (the job title, “Quantum Disadvantage“, is a clear clue…), the authors of the study conclude that even a Commodore 64 can provide a output acceptable for solving the specific problem. All this by using only 15 KB of the 64 KB available on the historic retro system and relying on CPU MOS 6510 a 8 bit e 1 MHz.
The work should not be understood as a lack of respect towards the IBM team and the results achieved, but as a joking response to a challenge launched by Dulwich Quantum on Twitter. The authors of Qommodore 64 they let it be known, however, that they will provide the source code to allow anyone to replicate the results. The source code, however, will only be provided in one of the three intended formats, they jokingly state: “a handwritten copy on papyrus, a presentation based on blurred images recorded on VHS tape or via telephone dictation“.