Google has made significant strides in quantum computing, unveiling a machine that can perform tasks that traditional supercomputers cannot complete in 10 septillion years. The company’s new “Willow” chip-based quantum computer, cooled to 460 degrees below zero, required less than five minutes to achieve this feat.
The development marks a crucial step towards overcoming the challenges of quantum computing, which has been hailed as a game-changer for fields like drug discovery and artificial intelligence. Scientists believe that quantum computers will one day surpass traditional machines in performance, but they still require significant advancements in error correction techniques.
Google’s achievement is part of a broader effort by tech giants to build similar technology. Microsoft, Intel, and IBM are also working on quantum computing initiatives, with China investing over $15.2 billion into the field. The US government is supporting these efforts through corporate giants and start-up companies.
While the new machine has demonstrated “quantum supremacy,” its practical applications remain limited due to errors in calculations. However, researchers believe that as they increase the number of qubits, they can exponentially reduce errors. Experts predict that a quantum computer will soon reach its vast potential, with Dr. Mikhail Lukin stating, “People no longer doubt it will be done. The question now is: When?”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/technology/google-quantum-computing.html