Targeting Computer
A targeting computer is a specialised quantum computer intended to perform the complex set of quantum calculations required to open a bridge to a specific destination. While early targeting computers only had the ability to calculate a rough approximation of destination coordinates, modern iterations can precisely target any dimension.
Targeting computers feed experiment parameters into a targeting algorithm, which is adjusted by a set of calibration parameters. In particular, calibration parameters are computed during the final commissioning of a bridge generator, and are specific to the exact spatial coordinates of the bridge room, taking up to a year to be generated. This recalibration process must run again during any movement of the generator, necessitating precise alignment systems. Furthermore, the algorithm itself must take into account the total planetary velocity and local gravity.
Components
The targeting computer has two main components: a quantum part, which makes up the majority of the space and power occupied by it, and the conventional part, otherwise known as the targeting computer supervisor (TCS), which is responsible for control and security, such as loading the data from experiment packets into the computer. The quantum component is directly connected to sensors in the bridge room, required due to the high data bandwidth.
The immense power and cooling requirements for targeting computers means that in bridge laboratories, almost all targeting computers are connected to their own dedicated cryogenic cooling system separate from the main bridge supply. All main components of the computer are kept immersed in liquid helium at all times and in turn are inside a pressure vessel, requiring a lengthy and complex maintenance process; for this reason, many components are built with high redundancy.
Security
Due to the risk of dimensional terrorism, targeting computers remain one of the most highly protected components of a bridge laboratory. Gen 3 targeting computers encrypt both their targeting algorithms and calibration parameters, which are designated by Raven as Reality Critical (RC) Sigma-classified information. The decryption of these parameters requires three parts: one provided by the combination of the activation keybits generated in the Mechanical Code Units in the keyswitches of the facility's PALIS system; one provided by Raven as part of the time-locked experiment authorisation; and one embedded within the targeting computer supervisor (TCS) cryptographic module (citadel). The targeting computer and its surrounding rooms are protected via sensors linked to the Facility Termination System (FTS), triggering the initiation of high-alert mode and potentially the detonation of the facility's antimatter warheads if the enclosure is breached.
The experiment-specific parameters are embedded within the authorisation packet granted by Raven, ensuring their immutability. Furthermore, special encrypted "algorithm modifiers" are provided in the packet, which essentially create a bespoke targeting algorithm for the specific set of experiment targeting parameters, which ensures that even if the targeting computer was compromised and its information intercepted, any use of coordinates other than those authorised by Raven as an input to the algorithm results in a catastrophically invalid result.
To prevent general-purpose quantum processors used in industry from acting as targeting computers, they are both classified as dual-use items requiring an export license to obtain, and are restricted in the instructions they can execute, specifically quantum SIMD instructions that are useful for the massive-scale computation required for tunnel calculations.
Divergence
In Ikechol, targeting computers and their algorithms are much less regulated, forcing Raven to control information flow between the dimensions to ensure nobody obtains classified algorithms from Ikechol. Tachlat primarily utilises substratic technology for targeting rather than quantum computers.