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Why Google's quantum breakthrough is 'truly remarkable' - and what happens next


Published on 2024-12-17 16:42:32 - ZDNet
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  • Google's quantum computing scientists this month demonstrated breakthroughs in the field that reinforce the sense that quantum computing is for real and will be able to find its place among other kinds of computers as a valuable resource.

Google's quantum computing breakthrough, as detailed in a ZDNET article, involves achieving "quantum supremacy" with its 53-qubit Sycamore processor. This milestone signifies that the quantum computer performed a specific task in 200 seconds that would take the world's fastest supercomputer, Summit, approximately 10,000 years to complete. The task involved generating random numbers in a way that classical computers struggle to replicate efficiently. This achievement is remarkable not only for its computational speed but also for its implications in fields like cryptography, material science, and drug discovery. However, the article also discusses the challenges ahead, including error rates, scaling up the technology, and the need for error correction to make quantum computers practical for real-world applications. Google plans to continue refining its quantum hardware and software, aiming to reduce errors and increase the number of qubits, while the scientific community debates the true extent of this "supremacy" and its practical implications.

Read the Full ZDNet Article at:
[ https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-googles-quantum-breakthrough-is-truly-remarkable-and-what-happens-next/ ]