In a monumental step toward the realization of practical quantum computing, Microsoft and Atom Computing have unveiled a groundbreaking achievement in quantum technology.
Together, they have successfully entangled 24 logical qubits — a world record in the quantum computing space — and demonstrated crucial advances in error correction and quantum computation. This achievement is not just another milestone; it represents a pivotal moment in the long and evolving journey toward realizing quantum systems that could one day outperform classical computers in solving some of the world’s most complex and challenging problems.
As these two tech giants push the boundaries of quantum computing, the implications are profound, both for the scientific community and for industries seeking solutions to problems that were once considered unsolvable. In this opinion piece, we delve into the significance of this breakthrough, its implications for the future of quantum computing, and what it means for industries, businesses, and global scientific research.
A Historic Quantum Milestone
On November 19, 2024, Microsoft and Atom Computing announced a significant advancement: the successful entanglement of 24 logical qubits. This achievement not only breaks previous records but also demonstrates the companies' growing capacity to handle the complexities of quantum systems, bringing us closer to the point where quantum computers can solve real-world problems that classical systems cannot.
What Are Logical Qubits and Why Do They Matter?
While the term "logical qubits" may seem abstract, it is essential to understand their importance in the quantum computing ecosystem. Logical qubits are built from multiple physical qubits, providing a more stable and error-resilient foundation for quantum computations. Unlike physical qubits, which are inherently fragile and prone to errors due to environmental noise, logical qubits enable error correction techniques that significantly improve the reliability of quantum computations.
Logical Qubits vs. Physical Qubits
Feature | Physical Qubits | Logical Qubits |
Error Susceptibility | High (prone to environmental noise) | Low (use of error correction protocols) |
Stability | Low | High |
Error Correction | Limited | Implemented (improved reliability) |
Use in Computation | Not reliable for large-scale problems | Suitable for scalable quantum algorithms |
Atom Computing and Microsoft’s work integrates state-of-the-art neutral-atom qubit technology with Microsoft's sophisticated qubit-virtualization system. This combination has resulted in an error rate for logical qubits that is orders of magnitude lower than the error rates seen in physical qubits. For instance, during tests, the error rate of logical qubits was reduced to just 9.5%, compared to 41.5% in physical qubits. This reduction in error rates is crucial for the stability and reliability of quantum computing systems.
Why Logical Qubits Matter: The Shift Toward Fault-Tolerant Quantum Systems
At the heart of this achievement is the creation of fault-tolerant quantum systems — systems capable of performing computations with minimal errors, even in the presence of environmental disturbances. The concept of fault tolerance in quantum computing is critical because quantum systems, by their nature, are highly susceptible to noise and decoherence. Without the ability to detect and correct errors, quantum computers would not be viable for practical, large-scale applications.
Atom Computing’s neutral-atom qubits have demonstrated the potential to address these issues. These qubits, manipulated using lasers to store and process quantum information, are far less susceptible to noise compared to other qubit technologies. This feature is essential for ensuring the stability of computations and the successful implementation of error correction protocols.
The Challenge of Quantum Loss and Error Correction
One of the key accomplishments of this partnership is the integration of these neutral-atom qubits with Microsoft’s qubit-virtualization system, which detects and corrects errors in real time. The ability to detect when a qubit has been lost — a frequent challenge in quantum systems — and to correct that loss without halting the computation represents a significant breakthrough in the reliability of quantum machines.
The Significance of Error Correction
“We’ve run that algorithm in this hardware out to 20 logical qubits in that computation and shown that we can get better than physical performance there. You also get better than classical, it turns out, for this algorithm.”
Krysta Svore, Technical Fellow and Vice President, Advanced Quantum Development, Microsoft Azure Quantum
The Quantum System: A Powerful Commercial Offering
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is that the system built by Microsoft and Atom Computing is not just an experimental prototype but a commercial product that will be available for order in 2025. This is a game-changer for the quantum computing industry, which has traditionally been limited to academic and research labs.
The commercial system is expected to feature over 1,000 physical qubits, a significant step toward scaling quantum systems to a point where they can perform computations beyond the capability of classical computers. For comparison, IBM’s quantum systems, like the IBM Eagle processor unveiled in 2021, currently feature 127 qubits. This demonstrates the rapid pace of development in the quantum space and underscores the ambitious goals of Microsoft and Atom Computing.
The companies plan to offer this system through Microsoft’s Azure Quantum platform, which integrates quantum computing with classical high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. By combining quantum and classical computing capabilities, Azure Quantum will allow businesses to solve complex problems in fields like pharmaceuticals, energy, and advanced materials, accelerating innovation and providing a competitive edge in global markets.
Quantum Systems - Key Players and Qubit Count
Company | Quantum Processor | Qubit Count | Year Released |
Microsoft + Atom Computing | 24 logical qubits (with up to 100 physical qubits for commercial systems) | ~1000 physical qubits (2025) | 2025 |
IBM | Eagle Processor | 127 | 2021 |
Sycamore Processor | 54 | 2019 | |
Honeywell | H1 | 10-12 | 2021 |
The Path Toward Scientific Quantum Advantage
In his announcement, Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, emphasized that with 100 reliable qubits, the company would achieve "scientific quantum advantage" — a milestone at which quantum computers can solve certain problems exponentially faster than classical machines. This achievement will revolutionize industries by enabling solutions to challenges that are currently intractable, such as drug discovery, climate modeling, and materials science.
Microsoft and Atom Computing’s partnership is a critical step in this direction. By improving the fidelity of qubits, expanding error-correction capabilities, and scaling up the number of qubits, the companies are laying the groundwork for achieving this long-awaited quantum leap. In fact, they recently reported that Atom Computing achieved 99.6% fidelity for two-qubit gates, the highest fidelity recorded in a commercial neutral-atom system. This is a promising indicator that the path to fault-tolerant quantum systems is well within reach.
The Quantum Computing Ecosystem: Key Players and Innovations
As we stand on the precipice of a new era in computing, it’s important to consider the broader quantum ecosystem and the contributions of various players. Microsoft and Atom Computing are not the only companies making strides in quantum technology. IBM, Google, and other tech giants are also heavily invested in the development of quantum systems. Each company has its unique approach, whether it's IBM’s superconducting qubits or Google's focus on trapped ions.
However, Microsoft’s emphasis on neutral-atom qubits combined with their qubit-virtualization system sets them apart. Unlike other approaches, which involve physically manipulating qubits individually, neutral-atom qubits offer scalability and robustness, making them a compelling candidate for future quantum machines. The ability to use lasers to precisely manipulate qubits in large arrays enables the creation of larger, more stable quantum systems with all-to-all connectivity — a crucial feature for error correction and scaling.
The Value of Collaboration
“We are excited to accelerate Atom Computing’s quantum capabilities with Microsoft as our partner. We believe that this collaboration uniquely positions us to scale and be first to reach scientific quantum advantage.”
Ben Bloom, PhD, Founder and CEO, Atom Computing
Implications for Industry and Society
The implications of this achievement extend far beyond the confines of the quantum computing lab. As Microsoft and Atom Computing move closer to delivering practical quantum systems, industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, finance, and logistics are poised to benefit from these advances.
For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, quantum computers could dramatically speed up the process of drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions with unprecedented accuracy. In materials science, quantum systems could enable the creation of new materials with specific properties, accelerating the development of everything from superconductors to renewable energy solutions.
Moreover, the commercial availability of quantum systems will also pave the way for new applications in AI and machine learning. By harnessing the power of quantum computers, companies can solve optimization problems, enhance machine learning models, and analyze large datasets far more efficiently than with classical systems.
The Quantum Horizon
The collaboration between Microsoft and Atom Computing marks a defining moment in the history of quantum computing. With the successful demonstration of 24 logical qubits and the development of a commercial quantum system, the companies are on track to bring us closer to a world where quantum machines solve real-world problems that classical systems cannot.
As we look ahead, the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize industries and address global challenges is vast. However, the journey is just beginning. The next few years will be critical as companies like Microsoft and Atom Computing continue to refine their systems, reduce error rates, and scale up quantum technologies. The race to achieve scientific quantum advantage is now more intense than ever, and with innovations like these, the future of quantum computing is both exciting and transformative.
The shift from theoretical research to practical, commercial applications is no longer a distant dream but an impending reality. This breakthrough signifies the beginning of an era where quantum computing is not just a tool for scientists but a powerful engine for progress across all sectors of the global economy.
As for each new innovation, market giants compete to commercialize it first, Same is happening with quantum world. They are not keen to develop new technologies but just trying to make a product which will be launched first and fill their pockets with profits. This behavior is insult for scientists who give their lives to researches. If so is society then their should be a share of them. This behavior has not only slower the scientific advancements but also resulted in a world standing at the verge of chaos and destruction.