IBM and Google claim scalable quantum computers might be developed this decade

IBM and Google plan to achieve scalable quantum computers by the 2030s.

: Major tech companies like IBM and Google are making strides toward scalable quantum computers, potentially achieving this by the decade's end. IBM's roadmap solves critical technical hurdles, while Google's cost-cutting aims to produce a $1 billion quantum computer. The development of scalable machines requires mastering noisy qubit systems, finding solutions such as quantum error correction. With government and investor interest, companies envision rapid progress in overcoming engineering obstacles.

The race towards developing scalable quantum computers has gained momentum as IBM and Google are making significant strides. Both companies believe that they might achieve this goal by the end of the current decade. IBM has rolled out a new roadmap focused on addressing several critical technical challenges essential for realizing large-scale systems that can tackle problems unsolvable by today’s supercomputers. Jay Gambetta from IBM expressed confidence in overcoming these hurdles, stating, 'It doesn't feel like a dream anymore,' reflecting the growing optimism in the field.

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain, primarily due to engineering complexities. Quantum systems that utilize qubits, analogous to classical bits, must maintain stability in their quantum states only for short periods. The intrinsic noise that arises as more qubits are added makes computation exponentially complex. Oskar Painter from Amazon Web Services warns that constructing a practical quantum machine likely requires between 15 and 30 years, given the vast engineering effort necessary.

One of the seminal advances cited is IBM’s Condor chip, armed with 433 qubits. The increase in qubits unveiled performance issues primarily rooted in crosstalk, an interference between components. This has pressed companies to develop more robust connections and reconfigured systems to alleviate such interference. Rigetti Computing CEO, Subodh Kulkarni, noted that assembling a large number of qubits unpredictably introduces irrepressible effects, marking them as 'nasty physics problems' needing resolution.

IBM is re-engineering its coupling architecture to reduce interference and enhance their system’s scalability by utilizing better-performing materials. To make quantum computing practically viable, Google is ambitiously pursuing a full-scale quantum computer targeting a production budget of $1 billion. Google has showcased quantum chips that leverage error correction, particularly with surface code techniques, which would demand over a million functional qubits to process meaningful calculations.

Quantum error correction is a pivotal technique expected to bolster the creation of scalable and reliable machines. IBM focuses on low-density parity-check codes that potentially decrease qubit requirements by about 90%. However, this approach involves complex long-distance connections that inadvertently add more complications. Such groundbreaking developments are generating interest from government and investors, with entities like DARPA having identified technologies with potential for swift industrial adoption. Companies continue to pursue varied approaches, with backs from investors and policymakers underscoring the urgency and importance of breakthroughs in quantum technology.

Sources: The Financial Times, TechSpot

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