This research is conducted through the “Joint Research Laboratory (NTTR) for High-Performance Photonic Quantum Computing Platforms” established between the Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, and NTT Research Inc. The project aims to develop next-generation low-power, high-performance computing infrastructure by integrating HPC and photonic quantum technologies. In particular, the research focuses on Coherent Ising Machines (CIMs) and seeks to realize a large-scale CIM platform capable of processing tens of billions of sparsely connected spins on the AOBA supercomputer at Tohoku University.

 

The project targets practical combinatorial optimization problems, including constrained clustering, scheduling, and sparse signal recovery, through the development of quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical computing techniques. The research also investigates Ising machine-based optimization methods for tsunami disaster response and explores scalable architectures for future CIM hardware implementation.

 

By leveraging the international research networks of Tohoku University and NTT Research, this initiative aims to establish advanced photonic quantum computing platforms for scientific and societal challenges beyond the capabilities of conventional classical computing, while fostering globally competitive human resources in quantum technologies and their applications.