computer
IBM develops quantum processor with 127 qubits
IBM is driving the development of the quantum computer with a new processor. Photo: Matthias Balk / dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Top laboratories and tech corporations around the world are currently engaged in a fierce competition for the development of the quantum computer. Now IBM has raised the bar again with a new processor.
The technology group IBM has developed a new type of quantum processor “Eagle”, which is significantly more powerful than previous systems. It could even no longer be imitated by a traditional supercomputer, announced IBM in Armonk (New York state).
In a few years’ time, quantum computers are to be used productively in a wide variety of areas such as the pharmaceutical industry or for cracking encryption and are considered to be the technology of the future.
With the new technology, the threshold of 100 qubits is exceeded for the first time with 127 qubits. For a simulation using conventional high-performance computers, according to the US company, “more classic bits would be necessary than there are atoms in every human being on the planet”.
Traditional computers work with bits. A bit can only have two states: “One” and “Zero” or “On” and “Off”. Quantum computers, on the other hand, work with qubits (“quantum bits”). A qubit can not only represent “one” and “zero”, but theoretically an infinite number of states in between and that at the same time. Each additional qubit doubles the number of states that can be displayed at the same time, so the number is considered a performance feature. However, a number of other factors determine the performance of a quantum computer.
IBM has continuously increased the number of qubits in its quantum processors in recent years. The increased number will enable users to research problems on a new level of complexity in experiments and applications, emphasized IBM. This includes optimizing machine learning or modeling new molecules and materials for use in areas ranging from the energy industry to drug development.
“The introduction of the” Eagle “processor is an important step on the way to the day when quantum computers can outperform classic computers to a significant extent,” said IBM research director Darío Gil. “Quantum computers have the potential to change almost every sector and help us tackle the greatest problems of our time.”
Experts like the German physicist Andreas Dewes emphasize again and again that the development of functioning quantum computers could take more than ten years.
The “Canary” quantum chips from IBM from 2017 had five qubits. In February 2020, IBM presented the “Falcon” series with 28 qubits. In September 2020, the group increased the brand to 65 qubits with the “Hummingbird” processor. At the same time, IBM emphasized that progress in quantum computer hardware would not only be determined by the number of qubits, but also by the performance characteristics of quality and speed.