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Google Achieves Breakthrough with Quantum Computing Chip Willow

Google’s quantum computing division recently marked a significant achievement in the realm of quantum technology. On Monday, the tech giant disclosed that its latest quantum chip, named Willow, is capable of executing a complex computational task in under five minutes— a feat that would take one of the fastest supercomputers an estimated 10 septillion years to complete, surpassing even the age of the universe.

In addition to its enhanced computational power, researchers at Google have made strides in minimizing errors, an issue they classify as a critical hurdle in quantum computing. Unlike classical computing, which relies on bits representing a binary state of either 0 or 1, quantum computing operates using qubits. These unique units are capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously, embodying 1, 0, or various positions in between.

Google highlighted that qubits face challenges related to error rates due to their propensity to interact with their surroundings. Nonetheless, the Google’s research team has devised a method to enhance the fidelity of qubits by integrating additional qubits into the system, enabling real-time error correction. Their findings were documented in a recent article published in Nature.

Hartmut Neven, founder of Google Quantum AI, described this milestone as achieving “below threshold” performance, which signifies an ability to reduce errors while simultaneously increasing the number of qubits. He emphasized, “You must demonstrate being below threshold to show real progress on error correction, and this has been an outstanding challenge since quantum error correction was introduced by Peter Shor in 1995.”

With Willow now comprising 105 qubits and boasting “best-in-class performance,” Google is currently ahead in the competitive landscape of quantum computing, where companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM are also making significant advancements.

Looking ahead, Google aims to accomplish a pivotal computation that not only goes beyond classical capabilities but also serves a practical, real-world purpose that traditional computers cannot achieve. Neven noted that the potential applications of quantum technology are vast, suggesting it could play a crucial role in gathering AI training data and even contribute to breakthroughs in medicine, the design of more efficient batteries for electric vehicles, and the advancement of fusion energy and other renewable energy solutions.

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www.theverge.com