Microsoft Claims Breakthrough in Quantum Chip Reliability

Microsoft says its latest quantum chip represents a major leap in reliability, potentially advancing the timeline for practical quantum computing, Zoe Kleinman reported for BBC News.

Microsoft said the advancement could lead to commercially useful quantum systems within a few years. (Photo: Microsoft)

The company reports that its new “Majorana 2” chip improves qubit stability significantly compared to its predecessor.

Microsoft claims the qubits can remain stable for up to 20 seconds, compared to milliseconds in earlier versions, describing the improvement as roughly 1,000 times greater reliability.

Quantum computing relies on qubits, which are highly sensitive and difficult to stabilize.

Microsoft said the advancement could lead to commercially useful quantum systems within a few years, though experts note that large-scale systems would require millions of qubits.

The company has not released full technical documentation, citing proprietary research.