Teiko Heinosaari: “More is known about quantum phenomena these days”
Product development for quantum computers is still in its initial stages, but Teiko Heinosaari, a professor of quantum computing has already turned his thoughts to the time coming after the first-generation machines.
“The fundamental limitations of the machines currently under development are already understood, and more ways to manage them are being developed,” says Heinosaari.
Heinosaari has started to reflect on the “second-generation quantum computers” and, for example, the fundamental limitations associated with them. He has started to think first of what these challenges could be.
The challenges of machine development are currently related to the management of qubits – the basic units of a quantum computer – which are very sensitive to disturbances, as well as to the shortcomings of error correction methods and, for example, the cooling of the machines. A quantum computer requires a temperature as low as -273 degrees to operate.
So, can it already be predicted what limitations future quantum computers might have?
“In a second-generation quantum computer, information is not encoded into states, but into processes,” explains Heinosaari. “It raises the question of what causality ultimately means in information processing and what its limitations are.”
In his 20-year research career, Heinosaari has seen the extensive development of quantum computers. Many expectations have been placed on the computers and they are now becoming a reality.
“Around the time of my dissertation in 2005, it was a commonly held belief that quantum computers were theoretically possible,” says Heinosaari. “In terms of technology, we are currently in a situation where small quantum machines already exist, and larger ones are continuously being built. News on record-breaking quantum computers regularly appears.”
The work of a theoretical quantum physicist requires pen and paper
Quantum computers and related technology are not, however, at the heart of Heinosaari’s research work. He discusses the topic often because machines are a concrete part of the world of quantum phenomena, which he also gets asked about most frequently. They are a starting point for several discussions.
Heinosaari is a theoretical quantum physicist by background, and when it comes to quantum phenomena, his greatest interest lies in the connection between quantum information and quantum computing.
He says he is seeking a better understanding of the link between quantum information and computing.
What does this mean?
“Information and computing are concepts that get their meaning from human activity,” he says. “Traditionally, however, physics has been regarded as a science independent of the role of the observer. Quantum physics challenges this view, while questioning the separation of information from physics.
“Information cannot exist without a physical object that functions as its carrier. For this reason, the laws of physics ultimately determine the limitations within which information can be processed.”
In 2023, Heinosaari started as a professor in quantum computing at the Faculty of Information Technology of the Ģֱ. It has proven to be a pleasant working environment.
“Here, I feel like I’m truly surrounded by information and math.”
He studies hybrid computing, quantum software and quantum resources with his research group. Heinosaari currently uses pen and paper to solve various problems: How do a conventional computer and a quantum computer perform computations best together? How can quantum measurement sequences improve information processing? In what kind of information processing tasks can quantum phenomena be useful?
Quantum research has shifted from observation to active participation
The year 2025 will mark a milestone in quantum science. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has proclaimed it as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). It is the 100th anniversary of a fundamental theory of modern physics, quantum mechanics.
The theory introduced concepts such as quantum mechanics, the uncertainty principle, entanglement, and superposition to help to describe the behaviour of atoms as well as smaller particles.
“At first, the theory was used to understand the structure of materials as well as to explain the interaction between light and matter,” explains Heinosaari. “We now understand entanglement and superposition as physical resources that open the door to a new kind of quantum world.”
Quantum research has shifted from observation to active participation:
“Nowadays, quantum phenomena aren’t just purely observed,” he says. “Based on the theory, different quantum systems can be built, that is, small and sensitive physical systems that follow quantum physics. Quantum technology applications can be built by utilising their features.”
Quantum systems are also being built at the Ģֱ. The University is part of the Finnish Quantum Flagship, which brings together leading Finnish researchers. In Jyväskylä, the research focuses on quantum materials, silicon-based quantum technologies, the design of quantum algorithms and software, and the societal impacts of quantum technologies. Professor Tero Heikkilä is the principal researcher from the Ģֱ.
“It is unique that quantum research in Jyväskylä combines expertise from different disciplines and the work is carried out in three faculties,” explains Heinosaari.
Many perspectives are needed at the cutting edge of quantum technology
In addition to research, Teiko Heinosaari really enjoys sharing and teaching quantum knowledge.
According to him, the development of quantum technology is at a stage where a lot of new perspectives and ideas are needed in research communities. As a result, Heinosaari has turned his focus to, among others, economists, humanists and social scientists.
“Now it’s time to think about what to do with all the quantum technologies and quantum information,” he explains. “What is the technology used for? How can quantum technology be put to good use? We can find answers to the questions together.”
Quantum technology may become an important industrial sector for Finland.
“Quantum technology is almost like a card that must be played,” continues Heinosaari. “New technologies may revolutionize information security, optimization, energy consumption, and the synergistic effects of technologies. They can have a decisive impact on, for example, the development of medications or materials.”
Sometimes it good to take a break and enjoy afternoon tea
The professor of quantum computing is constantly seeking new ways to reach new audiences. As an active promoter of quantum research, he authors a range of texts, while also designing and sharing information about courses.
Once a month, he sits upstairs at the Teeleidi teahouse in Jyväskylä and hosts an afternoon tea event dedicated to the quantum.
There he or one of his colleagues gives a short presentation about quantum phenomena and discusses anything related to the topic. Quantum phenomena can be difficult, but Heinosaari habitually uses comparisons and figures of speech to explain things.
These will also be included in the blog series that Heinosaari has promised to write for the followers of Tiedonportti, the science journal of the Ģֱ. Three new articles will be coming out in the near future, and these will focus on three issues that are central to both quantum physics and quantum technology.
“These are concepts or themes that would helpful when trying to understand quantum physics,” he explains. “They are a good starting point.”
In his first article, he discusses superposition.
