Microsoft has unveiled its new quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, claiming it could revolutionize the field much sooner than previously anticipated. This "world's first topological quantum chip" aims to develop quantum computers capable of solving significant industrial-scale problems within a few years. This announcement has positively impacted quantum computing stocks, with Quantum Computing Inc. rising over 6% and D-Wave Quantum climbing nearly 10%.
The core of quantum computing lies in qubits, the fundamental unit of information in this technology, comparable to binary code in classical computing. However, qubits are fragile and sensitive to environmental noise, which can lead to errors or data loss. Microsoft, along with Google and IBM, aims to house one million qubits on a manageable chip, known as a universal fault-tolerant quantum computer.
After 17 years of research, Microsoft has developed a topological approach to observe and control Majorana particles, leading to more reliable and scalable qubits. Majorana particles, first described by physicist Ettore Majorana in 1937, were not observed or created until recently. By using indium arsenide and aluminum, Microsoft has constructed topological conductor wires, dubbed the "transistors of the quantum age."
Microsoft's Majorana 1 chip connects these topological conductor nanowires to form an "H" shape, with each unit containing four controllable Majorana particles, creating a qubit. This setup allows for digital control of qubits, simplifying quantum computing processes. The company aims to eventually house one million qubits on a single chip.
Quantum computing promises to solve complex problems currently beyond the reach of classical computers, particularly in materials science and medicine. It could also unlock the full potential of AI, allowing scientists to describe new materials or molecules in simple terms and receive immediate answers.
