Microsoft is making noticeable advancements in quantum computing, particularly through its Azure Quantum Cloud platform. The company has demonstrated significant improvements in logical operations using error-corrected qubits, representing a crucial step forward in quantum technology.
Collaboration with Quantinuum
The progress largely stems from an ongoing partnership with Quantinuum, utilizing their H2 “racetrack” quantum processor. Through this collaboration Microsoft has been able to increase the number of logical qubits threefold since April, according to Microsoft Technical Fellow Krysta Svore. Both companies want to achieve a hundred-logical-qubit system, bringing practical quantum applications closer to reality.
Engineers are employing a grid of qubits for error correction, where ancillary qubits are used to spot inconsistencies that signal errors, which can then be corrected. The method, discussed in a draft paper by Microsoft and Quantinuum researchers, enhances the fidelity of quantum operations by quickly identifying and correcting inaccuracies.
Partnership with Atom Computing
In addition to the collaboration with Quantinuum, Microsoft has teamed up with Atom Computing, a company that uses neutral atoms to maintain qubits. Atom Computing has developed hardware featuring over 1,000 qubits. The partnership is anticipated to further strengthen Microsoft's quantum computing capabilities, aiding in the creation of systems capable of reliably executing complex calculations.
Logical qubits, which spread a single bit of quantum data across multiple bits, play a crucial role in error correction. Ancillary bits tied to these data-holding qubits allow for error detection and correction without interrupting the qubit's superposition. Various error correction strategies exist, some requiring thousands of qubits per logical qubit, while others use fewer but less reliable qubits.
Maintaining low error rates during the correction process is a primary challenge in quantum computing. Hardware qubits must be dependable enough to ensure effective error correction. Microsoft's recent developments, using Quantinuum's low-error ion-trapped qubits, have facilitated multiple rounds of error correction. Importantly, the latest efforts have managed to perform logical operations with error correction on several logical qubits.
Strategic Vision
Microsoft's latest breakthroughs are part of a strategic initiative to achieve fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2030, highlighting a commitment to overcoming challenges inherent in quantum error correction and scaling the technology for practical use. By partnering with Atom Computing, Microsoft aims to harness their expertise in neutral atom qubits, offering potential benefits in terms of scalability and stability.
Quantinuum's H2 “racetrack” quantum processor has been vital to Microsoft's strategy. The processor's unique design and capabilities have been crucial in achieving the milestone of performing logical operations with error-corrected qubits. Such a collaboration illustrates Microsoft's approach to diversifying its quantum hardware collaborations to accelerate progress in the field.
