2023 has been a monumental year for developments in quantum computing. An array of research teams worldwide made remarkable headway, bringing us significantly closer to fully functional quantum computers. This rapid progress spans quantum processor hardware, software algorithms, and quantum networks.
This quantum technology news article summarizes the 10 most notable quantum computing achievements from the past year. The breakthroughs outlined below demonstrate that the long-awaited promises of quantum computers could become a reality sooner than anticipated.
Here are the TOP 10Â Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing
1. Google Claims Quantum Supremacy
In a paper formally published this July, Google showed their Sycamore quantum processor can perform a highly complex task involving generating pseudo-random numbers in just 200 seconds. With its 53 superconducting qubits leveraging quantum effects like superposition and entanglement, Sycamore completed a calculation that would be practically impossible on existing supercomputers in 10,000 years – exhibiting clear quantum advantages.
2. IBM Unveils Record-Breaking 433 Qubit Chip
Seeking to surpass Google’s recent feat, in August IBM unveiled its Osprey processor touting 433 superconducting qubits, the most in a working quantum chip yet. While raw qubit numbers alone don’t determine computer power, IBM notes record-low two-qubit error rates below 0.1%, bolstering reliability through quantum error correction. Extending qubit count while minimizing noise and interference remains key to scaling.
3. University of Chicago Distributes Quantum Entanglement Over 52 Miles
In another remarkable development in October, University of Chicago researchers managed to transmit quantum entangled particles over 52 miles of underground fiber optic cables between locations in the suburbs of Chicago. Precisely controlling interactions between particles like photons enables extending quantum connections needed to build quantum networks.
4. Yale Creates Breakthrough Quantum Spin Liquid Crystal
Operating at -269°C, the Yale team’s quantum material called nickel-tripodium displays magnetic quantum effects from particle interactions while retaining fluidity – enabling new insights into exotic quantum computing models leveraging spin dynamics.
5. MIT Demonstrates First Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computation
For practical application, quantum states remain fragile against noise and operational errors. As such, the MIT researchers’ recent demonstration of working fault-tolerant error detection and correction in their 9-qubit quantum processor marks a major turning point. This method actively fixes errors by keeping redundancies to overcome disruption.
6. China Establishes First Quantum-Encrypted Video Call
Extending recent feats in quantum communication, Chinese scientists held what they claim is the first live quantum-encrypted video call between continents. The half-hour call employed unhackable keys encoded in photons to secure information transmitted between Asian cities, showcasing practical maturing quantum cryptography.
7. IonQ Attains 99.9% Two-Qubit Operation Fidelity
On its trapped-ion quantum computer, leading startup IonQ recently attained record-low two-qubit gate error rates. By minimizing imperfections during quantum logic gate operations below one in a thousand, IonQ now reaches fidelities exceeding 99.9% considered essential for enabling error correction as required in functional quantum computing.
8. Sandia Labs Engineer Improved Photon Source
Quantum computing models based on photonic qubits leverage encoding data within photons. Underpinning these approaches are photon generators. Sandia engineers created quantum-dot-based single photon sources able to emit one photon on demand accurately without multiple emissions or errors over 99% of the time, enabling optical quantum models.
9. JPMorgan Chase Launches Public Access Quantum Simulator
Seeking to explore potential quantum advantages in risk analysis, asset pricing, and portfolios, this July financial giant JPMorgan Chase began allowing public access to its specialized cloud-based quantum simulator tailored for financial models. This provides a gateway to experiment with quantum solutions for influential financial institutions.
10. Rice Creates First Atomically-Thin 2D Magnet
In a remarkable quantum nanomaterial advance from Rice University, researchers created an atomically thin two-dimensional magnet with unique thermal and quantum properties. Just 1.5 nanometers thick but remaining stable at up to 100°C, the durable material introduces new possibilities for engineering very compact quantum tech components.
Through sustained exponential global progress, experts reinforce 2023 as the year quantum computing capabilities crossed an important practicality threshold, crystallizing the technologies’ impending reality. This condensed list samples key achievements that collectively accelerate quantum information science towards immense expected impacts across industries.
