Google has made significant strides in the field of quantum computing with its new chip, Willow, which outperformed even the world’s best supercomputer on an advanced test. The chip can complete complex computations in just five minutes, a feat that would take the most powerful supercomputer over 10 septillion years.
Experts say this breakthrough is just the beginning of a new phase in cutting-edge computing. Google researchers have also shown that their chip’s errors do not increase proportionally as the number of qubits rises, which is a significant improvement over previous quantum chips.
The Willow chip operates on a smaller scale than traditional supercomputers, using qubits roughly the size of an atom to perform computations. This compact design makes it more energy-efficient and potentially more powerful than existing supercomputers in certain cases.
While Google’s breakthrough has generated excitement, experts caution that the technology is still years away from practical applications. However, researchers believe that advanced quantum computing could be used for tasks such as simulating minuscule quantum systems, improving weather predictions, and streamlining supply-chain efficiency.
The test on Willow was designed to demonstrate the chip’s capabilities relative to other systems, including the best existing supercomputers. The results show that Google’s new chip can perform better than the current standard in certain cases, marking a significant shift in the focus of future quantum chip development.
Experts emphasize that advanced quantum computing is still in its early stages and faces several challenges before it becomes practical for widespread use. Nevertheless, this breakthrough has provided a much-needed boost to the field, highlighting the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize various industries and improve human lives.
Source: https://fortune.com/2024/12/11/google-willow-chip-quantum-computing