Microsoft Sets New Milestone in Reliable Quantum Computing

Key Takeaways

Microsoft is working to bring quantum computing to its Azure platform, aiming for a new era of hybrid applications.

The company has now achieved a new record with 12 reliable logical qubits.

While full quantum computing is still in progress, Microsoft is contributing significant advancements.

Microsoft has reached a new breakthrough in quantum computing by successfully entangling 12 highly reliable logical qubits. This achievement is part of its larger effort to integrate quantum technology into its Azure platform.

Earlier, Microsoft shared its goal of solving complex problems using logical qubits, which are 800 times more reliable than physical qubits. Qubits, or quantum bits, are the fundamental units of quantum computing, and these logical qubits are designed to reduce errors and improve performance during extended calculations.

Quantum computing is especially powerful in solving combinatoric problems, which involve optimizing large sets of data to find the best outcomes. However, even with these advancements, quantum computing has not yet surpassed the capabilities of the most advanced classical computers. Some experts believe 420 qubits are required to achieve "quantum supremacy," where quantum computers outperform traditional systems.

Azure Quantum combines familiar cloud technology with quantum tools, allowing users to access the potential of this next-generation computing power. According to Jason Zander, Microsoft’s Executive VP, this new computing stack will help usher in a new era of hybrid applications.

Scaling Up Azure Quantum

Microsoft has teamed up with Atom Computing and Quantinuum to develop Azure Quantum further. These partners helped lay the foundation for the 12 entangled logical qubits, which Microsoft integrated into its cloud and AI services. This improved platform aims to tackle complex problems in fields like life sciences, chemistry, and physics.

Krysta Svore, a leading figure in advanced quantum development at Microsoft, emphasizes the importance of logical qubits for ensuring reliable solutions. She adds that the company aims to run increasingly complex quantum calculations, demonstrating both error correction and computation working together for the first time.

As quantum computing continues to evolve, Microsoft’s goal is to expand Azure Quantum’s capabilities, allowing it to handle more demanding, data-heavy tasks.