Quantum Computing: The Dream is Closer Than Ever

By Dana Taylor

In a groundbreaking revelation, Microsoft has announced the creation of a new state of matter designed to advance quantum computing technology. This new state, which is neither liquid, solid, nor gas, forms the basis for the company’s cutting-edge quantum computing prototype. This development represents a significant milestone in the race to develop quantum computers that could revolutionize multiple industries, from drug discovery to data encryption, and even artificial intelligence. Quantum computers, with their exponentially faster processing power compared to traditional systems, have the potential to solve some of the most pressing scientific and environmental problems.

To explore the science behind this remarkable achievement, we spoke with Chaitton Nyak, a Technical Fellow in Quantum Hardware at Microsoft and co-author of the study detailing their findings, which was published in the esteemed journal Nature.

The Basics of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is often misunderstood, with many people thinking that quantum computers are simply faster versions of classical computers. However, the reality is far more complex. Quantum computers leverage the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at the smallest scales.

At the heart of quantum computing lies the “qubit,” which serves as the basic unit of information. In classical computing, information is processed as bits, which can either be 0 or 1. In contrast, qubits can exist in a state called “superposition,” where they can be both 0 and 1 at the same time. This duality is akin to Schrödinger’s famous thought experiment involving a cat that can be both alive and dead simultaneously.

In everyday life, the quantum effects that allow for such superposition aren’t noticeable because the objects we interact with are large enough that quantum behavior becomes suppressed. However, as objects get smaller, their quantum properties become more pronounced. The size of transistors on processors has steadily decreased over the years, bringing technology closer to the quantum realm, where quantum effects become important. While this could be seen as a challenge for traditional computing—since we rely on information being either 0 or 1—quantum computing offers the potential to exploit these phenomena to tackle problems that classical computers cannot.

The Discovery of a New State of Matter

One of the key components of Microsoft’s breakthrough is the creation of a new state of matter to support the stability of quantum computing. Traditionally, matter exists in three states—solid, liquid, and gas. However, under certain conditions, matter can take on more complex states. For instance, when metals are cooled to extremely low temperatures, they can become superconducting, where they exhibit zero electrical resistance.

Microsoft’s quantum computing prototype makes use of a combination of semiconductor and superconductor materials. However, simply using these materials isn’t enough to create the stability needed for quantum computing. The device must be cooled to nearly absolute zero, with temperatures around 50 millikelvin (0.05 Kelvin), far colder than anything we experience on Earth. At such low temperatures, all molecular motion halts, ensuring the stability of qubits and reducing noise and fluctuations that could disrupt their functioning.

In addition to these extreme cold temperatures, the devices also require extremely strong magnetic fields—2 Tesla, which is thousands of times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field. These conditions enable the creation of the new state of matter, which is crucial for the functioning of the quantum computers.

Implications for the Future of Quantum Computing

The timeline for when quantum computers will be commercially viable has long been a subject of debate. While many experts have claimed that practical quantum computers are decades away, Microsoft is more optimistic. The company believes that useful quantum computers are only a few years away from becoming a reality. Microsoft recently signed a contract with the U.S. government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), signaling their commitment to delivering a functional quantum system on a much shorter timeline.

Chaitton Nyak, who has been involved with the quantum program at Microsoft for nearly two decades, reflects on the journey the company has taken in quantum research. When the program first started, it was a small pilot project with only a handful of people trying to determine whether quantum computing was even feasible. Over the years, the team has grown into one that has the technical expertise and resources to build a working quantum computer.

“We’ve grown over the last 10 years into the kind of team that can do the science and engineering necessary to build a machine like this,” Nyak said. The program has seen major milestones, with an aggressive roadmap for continued progress, including collaborations with DARPA. The timeline now includes detailed plans for technical milestones, hiring strategies, and the logistics of scaling up the quantum system to commercial levels.

Ethical Concerns in Quantum Computing

As with any new technology, the rise of quantum computing raises important ethical questions, particularly when it comes to security. One of the most notable concerns is the potential for quantum computers to break current encryption methods. Peter Shor’s groundbreaking algorithm showed that a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could break widely used encryption systems. This has led to increased interest in quantum computing, but also heightened concern about its implications.

However, quantum physicists have been aware of these risks and have been working for years to develop “quantum-safe” encryption methods. This research has already led to the development of post-quantum cryptography, which aims to build encryption systems that are resistant to quantum attacks. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been at the forefront of standardizing these systems, and though the process of replacing current encryption methods will take time, steps have already been taken to ensure that systems are secure from quantum threats.

The Competitive Landscape of Quantum Computing

As quantum computing progresses, competition in the field has become increasingly fierce. Google and Amazon are also making significant strides, with Google recently unveiling its quantum processor and Amazon entering the quantum race with its Ocelot project. However, Microsoft believes that its approach—based on a novel combination of materials and the stability of its qubits—sets it apart from the competition.

Nyak emphasizes the positive impact of this competition, noting that the race to build a practical quantum computer is pushing all companies to innovate and improve their technologies. “The competition is one of those rising tides that lifts all boats,” he said, pointing out that progress in quantum computing is accelerating as a result.

What’s Next for Microsoft’s Quantum Team

Looking ahead, Microsoft’s quantum computing roadmap includes scaling up the complexity of their quantum systems and improving the stability of qubits. Nyak explains that their next step is to develop devices with greater complexity and more capabilities. These advancements are not just about making faster computers but are intended to solve some of the world’s toughest problems, particularly in chemistry, materials science, and medicine.

The potential applications of quantum computing extend far beyond what most people associate with computers, such as faster processing or better software. Quantum computers could revolutionize industries by solving problems related to materials and chemistry that affect nearly every aspect of modern life. From creating more efficient solar panels to breaking down microplastics, quantum computing could touch areas as diverse as environmental sustainability and pharmaceutical development.

“We’re not just trying to make better Excel spreadsheets or a faster web browser,” Nyak says. “The real breakthroughs will be in solving chemistry and material problems that affect nearly everything we make, from electronics to everyday household items.”

Conclusion

Microsoft’s recent discovery of a new state of matter is a monumental step in the development of quantum computing. By exploiting the properties of quantum mechanics, the company is working toward creating computers that can solve problems too complex for traditional systems to handle. As Microsoft continues to make progress, the world is moving closer to a future where quantum computers can revolutionize industries and solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

With major players like Google and Amazon also vying for dominance in the quantum race, it’s clear that the next decade will bring remarkable changes to computing as we know it. For now, Microsoft’s commitment to quantum research offers a glimpse into a future where the impossible becomes possible, and computing evolves beyond the limits of classical systems.

Thanks for reading. This article was brought to you by Dana Taylor.