- Microsoft reveals a quantum chip with a topological core to stable and scalable quubits
- Majorana 1 contains eight Topological Qubits aiming for a million-Qubit scale
- Breakthrough is comparable to how semiconductors revolutionized modern computing
Microsoft has revealed Majorana 1, a quantum chip built on a topological core architecture that marks a big step forward in its quantum computing effort.
The company says this new chip that places the tech giant together with rivals Google and IBM during the race on large-scale quantum calculation will lead to devices capable of solving industrial scales this year instead of decades.
The chip is based on a topoconductor, a recently constructed material that can observe and control Majorana particles – a discovery Microsoft represents no less than a new state of fabric it has used for how semiconductors transformed modern computing.
A clear path to scaling
“We took a step back and said ‘OK, let’s invent the transistor to the quantity age. What properties do it need? ‘”Said Chetan Nayak, Microsoft Technical Fellow. “And that’s really how we came here – it’s the special combination, the quality and the important details of our new material stack that have made it possible for a new kind of Qubit and ultimately all of our architecture.”
Microsoft adds Majorana 1 offers a clear path to scaling quantum systems. Currently, it has eight topological Qubits on a single chip that marks the first step towards its goal of reaching a million quubits. Achieving this scale will be important if quantum calculation is to create progress in industries such as health care, environmental science and manufacture.
“Whatever you do in the quantum area must have a path to a million quubits. If it doesn’t, you will hit a wall before you get to the scale where you can solve the really important problems that motivate us, ”Nayak said. “We’ve actually prepared a path for a million.”
The chip is built using a material stack made of indium arsenide and aluminum, designed and manufactured atom of atom. The topological core architecture withstands hardware levels, making it more stable than current approaches.
