Microsoft has successfully created a new state of matter that could power its quantum computers, revolutionizing the field and potentially leapfroging rival tech giants like Google. The company’s “topological qubit” is a new phase of physical existence that many experts did not think was possible.
The technology is based on combining semiconductors with superconductors in a single device, which can behave in unusual and powerful ways when cooled to extremely low temperatures. This approach could help Microsoft solve technological, mathematical, and scientific problems that classical machines cannot.
While some question whether Microsoft’s achievement is genuine, the company’s researchers believe their methods will allow them to reach the finish line sooner. The technology has significant geopolitical implications, with the US and other countries vying for dominance in quantum computing.
Experts praise Microsoft’s innovative approach, which could accelerate the development of quantum computers. However, others question whether the company has actually built a topological qubit, emphasizing the need for verification and error correction to overcome fundamental challenges in quantum computing.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/technology/microsoft-quantum-computing-topological-qubit.html