In a significant leap forward for quantum computing, researchers from Harvard University have unveiled a groundbreaking system boasting over 3,000 qubits, capable of continuous operation for more than two hours without requiring reininitialization. The findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature, mark a crucial milestone toward the development of quantum supercomputers that could revolutionize fields such as science, medicine, and finance.
The experiment overcomes technical hurdles that plagued previous attempts, which were often confined to “single-shot” trials due to the phenomenon known as atom loss, where qubits escape and lose encoded information. The new system, a collaborative effort with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the startup QuEra Computing, has managed to circumvent this challenge, paving the way for sustained quantum processing.
How the Qubit System Works
Conventional computers store information in binary bits, which can be either 0 or 1. In contrast, qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information, can represent 0, 1, or both states simultaneously, thanks to the property of superposition. This allows quantum computers to process information exponentially faster, particularly when qubits become entangled, a quantum phenomenon that links particles regardless of distance.
To maintain continuous operation, the research team employed “optical conveyor belts” (laser waves that transport atoms) and “optical tweezers” (laser beams that trap individual atoms and arrange them in arrays). The system replenishes up to 300,000 atoms per second, ensuring over 50 million atoms circulate through the system in two hours without data loss.
Continuous Operation and Processor Reconfiguration
Mikhail Lukin, a coauthor of the study, highlighted the significance of swiftly replacing lost qubits, suggesting it may be more critical than the total number of qubits. “We’re demonstrating a method to insert new atoms as the old ones are lost, without disrupting the stored information,” explained Elias Trapp, a doctoral student and coauthor.
Moreover, the system allows for dynamic reconfiguration of atomic connectivity during computation, unlike traditional chips with fixed connections. “Essentially, the system becomes a living organism,” Lukin remarked. This innovative approach has already been tested in architectures simulating exotic quantum magnets and implementing novel error correction methods.
Future Prospects and Comparisons
The team intends to apply their method to perform complex calculations in even larger systems, maintaining continuous operation. Recently, a group from Caltech showcased a system with 6,100 qubits, but it operated for less than 13 seconds. Harvard’s researchers emphasize the novelty lies in the unprecedented combination of scale, quantum information preservation, and operational speed.
Neng-Chun Chiu, the study’s lead author, envisions “quantum computers capable of executing billions of operations and running for days.” Lukin adds, “Achieving this dream is now directly within our sights for the first time.”
This advancement sets the stage for a new era in quantum computing, where sustained, large-scale operations could unlock unprecedented computational power, potentially solving problems that are currently intractable for classical computers.
Source: Olhar Digital
