Google has announced a breakthrough in quantum computing by developing a new quantum processor, Sycamore, which can increase the number of qubits (quantum bits) without increasing the chances of errors in calculations. The research was published in Nature and it appears to solve the problem that has been impeding the growth of computational capacity in quantum PCs. With quantum computers, the more qubits included in the machine, the more likely it is that there will be errors in the results computed by the processors.
Making a very didactic comparison, imagine that they increase the number of cameras for VAR. In theory, with more cameras, the referee will miss less. With quantum computers, the situation is “similar” — given the fact that it involves quantum physics, which does not depend on interpretation.
Instead of making an even more powerful machine, including more qubits can increase the chances of errors in the results computed by quantum processors. Did you understand? No? Then see what Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, says.
As explained by Pichai, qubits are so sensitive that a beam of light can generate a miscalculation. After all, quantum computing is machine control of fundamental particles, including photons and electrons.
By increasing the number of qubits, the chances of errors increase because there are more elements that can be impacted by small factors, such as light and a slight increase in temperature —quantum computers need to operate close to absolute zero.
Google reduces the chance of errors with the new quantum processor
Google’s new quantum processor, Sycamore, allows the addition of more qubits while decreasing the percentage of errors by detecting errors by evaluating the results of a qubit through its neighbors.
Google has tested two methods to reduce calculation failures, an array with a size of 3 qubits by 3 qubits and another with a size of 5 qubits by 5 qubits. The method with the greater area had a slight advantage over the smaller one: 2.91% errors versus 3.02%, small numbers, but still high for the most complex applications. This breakthrough can improve encryption and security for banks, and can help the pharmaceutical industry to identify the behavior of a drug molecule.
According to Google, hardware performance is expected to increase by 20% after 2025. This is a significant milestone toward making quantum applications meaningful to human progress.
Quantum computing has been advancing by leaps and bounds, and Google’s recent announcement is yet another example of the evolution of “quantum PCs.” Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, explains that qubits are so sensitive that a beam of light can cause a miscalculation. Therefore, increasing the number of qubits in a quantum processor would increase the chances of errors because there would be more elements that could be impacted by small factors, such as light and a slight increase in temperature. Quantum computers need to operate close to absolute zero to function properly.
The potential of quantum computers is vast, from identifying molecules for new medicines, creating sustainable technologies, and producing physics research that will lead to advances we can’t yet imagine. To realize the full potential of quantum computing, however, more technical milestones need to be achieved, and several components of the technology need to be improved, from cryogenics to control electronics to the design and materials of the qubits.
Google is also taking steps to develop quantum computing responsibly, given its powerful potential. Partnerships with governments and the security community are helping to create systems that can protect internet traffic from future quantum computer attacks. Additionally, Google is ensuring that services like Google Cloud, Android, and Chrome remain safe and secure in the quantum future.
Despite the long road ahead, Google is committed to continuing its work towards a day when quantum computers can work in tandem with classical computers to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and help find solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems. The development of quantum processors also provides an excellent testbed for AI-assisted engineering as the company explores the use of machine learning to improve its processes.
