Google has introduced a quantum computing chip that achieves results in five minutes. This same problem would take conventional supercomputers 10 septillion years to solve.
The new chip, named Willow, marks a major step in quantum computing technology. Willow represents a series of breakthroughs that bring researchers closer to developing a functional, large-scale quantum computer.
Experts note that Willow is still experimental. Quantum computing capable of addressing a wide variety of real-world problems remains years and billions of dollars away.
Understanding Quantum Computing
Quantum computers work differently from traditional devices. They use quantum mechanics, which studies ultra-small particles, to solve complex problems faster.
Quantum computing could speed up areas like pharmaceutical development, nuclear fusion design, and electric vehicle battery research. However, there are concerns about the potential misuse of quantum computing. Quantum machines could eventually break encryption methods used to protect sensitive data.
Apple has already responded by creating quantum-proof encryption for its iMessage chats.
Hartmut Neven leads Google’s Quantum AI lab and calls himself the project’s “chief optimist.” Neven says Willow will support practical uses soon, but a fully functional commercial application is unlikely until at least the end of the decade.
Willow’s Key Innovations
Willow demonstrates major progress in error correction, a persistent obstacle in quantum computing. Errors increase as more qubits are added to a system. Willow, however, has reversed this trend. Researchers have managed to lower the error rate across the system despite the number of qubits growing.
This success addresses a 30-year challenge in quantum computing development. Neven compares this innovation to an airplane with more engines—the more engines it has, the safer and more stable it becomes.
Although encouraging, experts suggest that Willow still has much room for improvement. To build truly practical quantum computers, error rates must be reduced even further.
Willow was created in Google’s new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in California.
Countries globally are heavily investing in quantum computing. The UK, for instance, launched its National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) to support research and development.
Michael Cuthbert, NQCC director, cautions against exaggerating the importance of these advancements. While impressive, he believes Willow is more of a significant milestone than a full technological breakthrough.
Meanwhile, scientific research, like that from Oxford and Osaka Universities, continues to explore alternate approaches. They focus on achieving efficient quantum computing at room temperature, while Google’s Willow operates at ultra-low temperatures.
Willow’s findings have been published in Nature.