A team of researchers at D-Wave has successfully used its latest quantum processor to run a simulation that surpasses the capabilities of classical computers. The breakthrough, published in the journal Science, demonstrates the potential of quantum computing in solving complex problems in materials science.
D-Wave’s quantum computer, powered by an annealing processor, simulated the properties of spin glasses – magnetized disordered arrays of simulated objects – and solved simulations that can describe certain magnetic materials. This achievement has significant implications for designing new metals and other materials.
To test their claims, D-Wave’s team responded to criticism from other researchers who suggested that similar simulations could be done on classical computers using laptops in just two hours. In response, the D-Wave team ran larger simulations using more qubits and plans to publish their results soon.
The study, led by Andrew D. King, highlights the potential of quantum computing in solving complex problems and inspires other researchers to explore novel quantum techniques for material science applications.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-03-d-quantum-problem-scientific-relevance.html