Google Claims Breakthrough In Quantum Computing With New Chip

Google has announced that it has solved a long-standing quantum computing challenge using its new-generation chip, Willow.

The Willow chip features 105 “qubits,” the basic units of quantum computing. I Photo: Google

The chip reportedly solved a complex mathematical problem in five minutes—a task that would take classical computers longer than the history of the universe, according to Reuters and CNN.

Quantum computing, which offers significantly faster processing speeds than conventional systems, is being pursued by tech giants such as Microsoft and IBM.

While the problem solved by Google’s quantum lab in Santa Barbara, California, lacks immediate commercial application, it demonstrates the technology’s potential for breakthroughs in medicine, battery chemistry, and artificial intelligence.

The Willow chip features 105 “qubits,” the basic units of quantum computing.

While qubits are powerful, they are prone to errors caused by subatomic disturbances. Historically, increasing the number of qubits has led to compounded errors.

However, in a paper published in Nature, Google detailed how it strung qubits together to reduce error rates as the number of qubits increased. The company also claims it can now correct errors in real time, a significant step forward in the field of quantum error correction.