A group of researchers at the University of New South Wales have broken new ground in quantum computing by boosting the performance of their processor by up to one hundred times. This is a major step forward among the many functions yet to be discovered to unlock its full potential.
For several years now, this technology has moved from the laboratory to real-world applications, with the aim of exploring practical uses and determining the fields where it will be most useful. In fact, there are already some interesting projects underway, such as the one being developed in Barcelona, which is funded by European funds. In this case, the goal is to offer the service publicly and free of charge to organizations and companies that require it.
Australian researchers discover how to improve quantum computer processing by 100x
The experiment conducted by the researchers extended the spin qubit range from 20 microseconds to 20 milliseconds, a hundredfold increase. It's worth noting that every time interval in quantum computing, however small, represents progress, as it helps increase the speed of data transmission and operational processes.
For the longest time: quantum computing engineers set new standard in silicon chip performance – UNSW engineers have substantially extended the time that their quantum computing processors can hold information by more than 100 times compared to previous… https://t.co/OoShcNfipr
— Sergio Gago (@piratecto) September 30, 2022
In quantum computing, the longer the qubits remain in motion, the longer the information remains active in the calculations . The moment they stop, the system collapses. Therefore, the key point of the research is that by keeping them constantly active, processing is greatly improved.
Amanda Seedhouse, a collaborator on the study and a doctoral student, explains that a longer coherence time means a longer wait when storing information, which is necessary every time quantum operations are performed. It's a way to control qubits and, at the same time, ensure that systems function optimally.
The team's next task is to determine how to control each qubit individually and thus analyze the various values of a calculation. To do this, they must conduct several experiments to verify that the theory has real practical applications.
The quantum computer; the new computing that will change everything
Quantum computing has the ability to solve mathematical operations rapidly. A classical computer would take up to 10.000 years in some cases. Once it becomes widespread, economic activity will increase from €450.000 billion to €850.000 billion, a figure higher than the combined revenue of Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla in 2021.
The prize awarded to physicists Alain Aspect, John Clauser, and Anton Zeilinger highlights experimental work that has been key to quantum computing and improvements in communication systems. https://t.co/nYhY42wQa9
— Diario-Radio UChile (@uchileradio) October 4, 2022
The potential of this technology can be applied in various fields. It would be a great asset for companies in finance, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and insurance. Currently, work is done using approximations or estimates, but greater mathematical power will translate into precise results and lower energy consumption.
That's why major IT companies are developing programs to advance this technology. In Spain, they're working on the CUCO project, an initiative involving BBVA, Repsol, and GMV. This demonstrates that it's seen as the future of computing and, rather than an expense, as an investment that can benefit various sectors.
Currently, there is no single solution for all cases. It all depends on the applications and the hardware. Several algorithms are used for simulation, optimization, and machine learning tasks. This is useful in vehicle routing, image recognition, and stock trading. But in the near future, they will be used to solve chemical equations.
For example, it will enable the discovery of new treatments for complex diseases, as well as the modeling of molecules. It will also help improve OLED technology and applications related to risk simulations. All of these resources undoubtedly surpass those of traditional computing.
Experts agree that much remains to be done; however, the two biggest challenges are related to an error correction system that guarantees the accuracy of the results, and secondly, scaling up the number of qubits. Having everything ready by 2030 seems achievable, so they must work at full speed.
For now, traditional computers still operate using binary code , that is, 0s and 1s. But the qubit is much more complex. It harnesses quantum particles like ions and photons to solve problems. The idea is to manipulate these digits for computational purposes, and once that's achieved, they are entangled so that the operations performed in parallel grow exponentially. Ultimately, the computational superiority is enormous compared to traditional computers.
The major problem with qubits is that thousands of them are needed for computers to function properly . These systems are divided into logical and physical. 1.000 physical qubits represent one logical qubit, and the largest computer produced to date has 127, meaning there is still a long way to go to reach the optimal level.
That doesn't stop major tech companies from pursuing innovative developments. One of the main drivers is IBM , which is promoting quantum technology through the use of various formats. They claim that the Eagle chip has the capacity to exceed 1,000 qubits and are already aiming to compete fiercely with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
But there are other, smaller companies also vying for a place in quantum development . One of them is IonQ, which went public just last year. Meanwhile, D-Wave, backed by Goldman Sachs and Jeff Bezos, plans to enter the market and present its proposals. We must wait for the roadmap that will be established in the coming years to achieve the long-awaited dream of making this level of technology accessible to everyone.
