In a significant advancement for quantum computing, Google’s 54-qubit Sycamore quantum computer has accomplished a calculation in just 200 seconds that would require the world’s most powerful supercomputer, Summit, an astounding 10,000 years to complete. Google Quantum AI has recently impressed the world with its advances in developing more powerful quantum processors. They are out there, actively working on putting practical applications to this groundbreaking technology.
The new algorithm’s success is very much dependent on its handling of error and uncertainty. That’s only acceptable if we can let 0.1 percent of the data be wrong. Hartmut Neven, founder and manager of Google Quantum AI, is giddy over the prospects. He’s optimistic that we’ll start to see real-world applications of quantum computing in as little as the next five years.
Willow’s Remarkable Performance
Google’s new quantum chip, Willow, takes those successes and so much more from Sycamore to the next level. At 105 qubits, it has already demonstrated its power—claiming to have completed a benchmark computation faster than five minutes. This operation would require the combined efforts of all the fastest supercomputers, like Frontier, 10 septillion years to complete.
To test the algorithm, researchers first ran it using molecular simulated structures on 12-15 qubits from Willow. The algorithm’s novel design allows it to apply a very specific perturbation to a single qubit. This seemingly small change has far-reaching effects on faraway qubits, similar to the butterfly effect. This feature allows these researchers to create highly accurate and precise models of complex molecular structures.
The algorithm played an overwhelming role in the new algorithm’s success, having been tested on 65 of Willow’s qubits with astounding results. As a result, it ran nearly 13,000 times faster than Frontier’s best classical equivalent. The combination of Willow’s very high qubit count and its very low error rate were key in making this possible successfully.
“The key aspect of verification is that it can lead to applications.” – Thomas O’Brien
The Implications of Quantum Advantage
This new algorithm is a major milestone in the history of quantum computing. It is the first published demonstration of a verifiable quantum advantage on quantum processors. The potential applications of this breakthrough are far-reaching, especially in chemistry and material science. Given access to these powerful, hyper-accurate molecular models, researchers from different scientific disciplines can continue to create an immense amount of catalyzed discovery.
Some experts are skeptical that the findings go beyond what classical computing can do. Thomas O’Brien, a staff research scientist at Google Quantum AI, noted, “The results of the new algorithm aren’t beyond classical yet.” He further emphasized the importance of verifiable data in achieving practical applications:
“If I can’t prove to you that the data is correct, how can I do anything with it?”
While these cautions should be well-considered, a future where real, new advances benefit everyone is very possible. The algorithm can be run in parallel by both quantum processors, producing the same results. This novel capability makes quantum computations even more reliable than ever before.
Future Perspectives
Beyond today’s tests and applications, as quantum technology grows, experts are optimistic about its transformative potential. Hartmut Neven highlighted his enthusiasm for the future, stating, “We continue to be optimistic that within five years, we will see real-world applications that are only possible with quantum computers.”
One example of the new algorithm’s potential to have great impact in practice is its ability to improve nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) simulations. Our researchers are exploring the very deep complexities of quantum mechanics and how it translates into the real world. Innovations like this will produce the highest resolution views of molecular interactions and drive new, groundbreaking discoveries.