The quantum state evolves in such a way that no information is lost
Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field that comprises aspects of computer science, physics and mathematics and uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than with traditional computers. The field of quantum computing includes hardware research and application development.
Quantum computers are able to solve certain types of problems faster than traditional computers by taking advantage of quantum mechanical effects such as superposition and quantum interference.
Some applications where quantum computers can provide this speed boost include machine learning (ML), optimization, and simulation of physical systems.
Possible use cases could be optimizing portfolios in finance or simulating chemical systems, solving problems that are currently impossible for even the most powerful supercomputers on the market.
The IBM Processor
IBM Osprey is the quantum processor that has 433 qubits, 3.4 times more processing units than the previous one, the IBM Eagle, with 127 qubits, launched in 2021, and 8 times more than Google's rival Sycamore, with 53 qubits. IBM wants to exceed 4K qubits by 2025, with the Kookaburra processor, requiring two intermediate processors to work, more powerful than the Osprey, and overcoming the loss of quantum properties (decoherence) that occurs when there are many qubits.
Advances in quantum computing
The IBM roadmap has 2 additional stages - the 1,121-qubit Condor and 1,386-qubit 2024 Flamingo processors, before IBM introduces the 4,000-qubit Kookaburra processor in 2025.
The Age of Quantum Supremacy
Another objective pursued is the so-called ‘quantum supremacy’. A concept that defines when quantum computers are capable of solving computing tasks that cannot be done with conventional super computers.
ATOM COMPUTING
Atom Computing announces first quantum computer with more than 1,180 qubits, surpassing IBM's Osprey. From IBM's multi-year roadmap we expect it will announce its Condor quantum computer in the coming weeks that will run 1,121 qubits.
ADVANCED CYBER SECURITY
In Atom's system, the qubits are ytterbium atoms with lasers holding them in a matrix and manipulating their states to store and process data, with ytterbium being the ideal candidate for the job as it has only two quantum levels in its lowest energy state. being easier to manipulate and measure than other atoms.
Benefits of neutral atom quantum computers
Massive scalability: Neutral atom qubits lack electrical charge and can be tightly packed into an array, held only microns apart with focused laser light. The atomic array can be expanded to thousands or millions of qubits without substantially changing the overall footprint of the system.
Fidelity: Neutral atoms are intrinsically identical, have been extensively characterized, and present no fundamental physics obstacles to achieving sufficiently high fidelity to enable fault tolerance at scale.
Reduced complexity: All of the control functions of neutral atom qubits are mediated by light propagating through free space rather than individual electrical cables attached to each qubit.
Long coherence: The closed outer electron shell of alkaline-earth metal atoms provides insensitivity to environmental perturbations, enabling our qubits to achieve >40 second coherence times.