IBM has announced a significant advancement in quantum computing with the unveiling of a new architecture designed to enhance the capabilities of quantum processors. Matthias Steffen, an IBM Fellow, leads the team behind this innovation, which aims to address key challenges in quantum error correction and pave the way for a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029.
Underpinning the new architecture is Qualcomm’s first Nighthawk processor. It has 120 qubits and it has better connectivity than the Heron processor. This improvement enables customers to run quantum circuits 15x more logical gates than before on a quantum computer. The move from Heron to Nighthawk doubles coherence times, which is a big step forward. To get an idea, they’ve theorized a leap from ~150 microseconds to an astounding 250 microseconds.
IBM’s strategy includes a focus on developing a large-scale quantum computer named Starling, which will leverage a new error-correction scheme known as quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) codes. This novel approach is projected to need just one-tenth as many qubits as standard surface codes would need. The exact number of physical qubits necessary to create ten logical qubits is still under evaluation by Steffen and his team.
Steffen acknowledges the challenges involved in this endeavor, stating, “We do have evidence that this is really one of the main bottlenecks to improving gate errors.” The development of longer-range couplers in Nighthawk enables qubits to connect over greater distances on the same chip, further enhancing performance. Even with these improvements, formidable engineering hurdles remain, especially when it comes to supporting infrastructure like connectors and power (or integrity) amplifiers.
IBM plans to demonstrate a revolutionary connection between three Nighthawk modules by 2027, forming a device referred to as Cockatoo. This milestone would be yet another step on the way toward realizing their long-term goal of building a scalable quantum computing platform.
Jay Gambetta, an executive at IBM, expressed confidence in the company’s progress, asserting, “We’ve cracked the code to quantum error correction and it’s our plan to build the first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer.” This commitment underscores IBM’s dedication to advancing quantum computing technology and making it accessible to customers within the next several years.
As IBM advances its quantum architecture and addresses current hurdles, the tech world remains ready for disruption. The implications of these developments could extend far beyond computing, potentially impacting fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and complex system modeling.