This February, Microsoft announced a major breakthrough in quantum computing with the creation of the Majorana 1 Chip. After 19 years of development, this is the world’s first quantum computing chip to utilise a completely new state of matter! Microsoft Quantum Computing is a game changer, but it can also be tough to wrap your head around. In this blog, we’ll simplify what Microsoft has accomplished and explore what this breakthrough means for both Microsoft and the future of technology.
What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a new type of technology that uses the unique rules of quantum physics to solve problems that regular computers can’t handle. Classical computers work with binary data, which limits how much they can handle. Quantum computing, on the other hand, uses multiple dimensions to process data, allowing for much more power.
Some of the things that quantum computing could foreseeably enhance include AI and machine learning, drug and chemical research, manufacturing, cybersecurity and much more!
A deep dive into the Majorana 1 Chip
One big challenge in building quantum computers is keeping qubits (also known as quantum bits) stable. And, to fit a million of them on a singular chip capable of fitting in the palm of your hand. According to scientists at Microsoft, this is the benchmark for quantum computers to deliver a real-world impact.
To attempt to achieve this, Microsoft created a new material called a topoconductor, which helps to control special particles called Majorana particles. This led to the creation of a new state of matter, called a topological state, and helped make qubits more stable, easier to scale, and controllable with digital technology. Ultimately, these breakthroughs led to the creation of the Majorana 1 Chip and brought quantum computers a big step closer to reality! The Majorana 1 chip currently uses eight qubits on a small processor, but Microsoft are confident that one day the chip could handle 999,992 more!
What Microsoft Quantum Computing means for the future of technology
In simple terms, Microsoft’s big discoveries mean we could see quantum computers in just a few years instead of decades!
If they can increase the number of qubits while keeping them accurate and reliable, large-scale quantum computers could soon become a reality!
Now that you’ve got a better grasp of Microsoft Quantum Computing breakthroughs and the revolutionary Majorana 1 chip, you can expect to see exciting developments sooner than expected—and you’ll likely be able to explain it all to your friends! If you’re a Windows user in need of repairs or tech support, don’t hesitate to book a geek today—we’re here to help!
