On Monday, December 4th local time, IBM posted on its official blog, showcasing the hardware and software required for Quantum Utility, including new quantum processor chips and quantum computing systems.
Quantum computing is a rapidly emerging technology that utilizes the laws of quantum mechanics to solve overly complex problems for classical computers. But creating a reliable, high-performance quantum computer in the real world has always been a challenge.
As researchers have made quantum computers large enough, they have surpassed traditional computers in terms of performance, and unreliability (data errors) has become a major issue.
According to the press release, IBM has demonstrated a new method of connecting chips to the interior of machines, and then connecting machines together to form modular systems that allow for scale expansion without being limited by physical conditions.
IBM claims that overlaying this method with new error correction codes has the potential to create eye-catching quantum machines by 2033.
New quantum processor chips and quantum computing systems
In terms of hardware, IBM has launched Quantum System Two, which will be equipped with three of the highest performing quantum processors, Heron.
Egret& Quantum System No. 2
It is reported that Egret has 133 fixed frequency qubits, surpassing the Eagle processor with 127 qubits. IBM claims that compared to Eagle, Egret's device performance has improved by 3 to 5 times and almost eliminated crosstalk.
Quantum System 2 will be equipped with three Egret processors, which are 22 feet wide (about 6.7 meters) and 12 feet high (about 3.6 meters). IBM stated, "As a modular architecture quantum computing platform, we will use it to achieve parallel circuit execution of quantum centric supercomputing."
IBM hopes that this chip and machine will become the cornerstone of larger systems in 10 years. The press release points out that "we have entered a new era of quantum computing" because the theme of the past few decades has been the emergence and establishment of this new technology, and now it is laying the foundation to make quantum computing a reality.
Parallel research and commercialization
IBM Senior Vice President and Research Director Dario Gil told the media that from now until 2029, technological progress will be quite stable, and error correction technology will be fully utilized.
"We need some time to shift from scientific value to commercial value, but I believe the difference between research and commercialization is becoming increasingly close."
"As we continue to advance how quantum systems can expand and provide value through modular architectures, we will further improve the quality of the utility scale quantum technology stack and deliver it to our users and partners, who will break through the more complex problem boundaries of quantum technology."
"We are in an era where quantum computers are used as tools to explore new fields of science," Gil said of the latest Egret chips. "We must combine many things to be practical, otherwise it's just talk on paper."
