IBM Quantum Computing Roadmap: From 1,121 Qubits to 1 Billion Gates

(iexclusivenews) – IBM has recently revealed its latest quantum computing processor, the “Condor”, which boasts 1,121 qubits, the largest number of quantum bits in any gate-based, superconducting quantum system in the world.

The Condor is the culmination of IBM’s previous roadmap, and it marks a significant milestone in the company’s quest to develop quantum computers that can solve problems beyond the reach of classical computers.

But the Condor is not the end of the journey. IBM has also updated its roadmap and shared its vision for the future of quantum computing, which includes building quantum-centric supercomputers that can execute billions of quantum gates over thousands of qubits.

What are quantum bits and quantum gates?

Quantum bits, or qubits, are the basic units of information in quantum computing. Unlike classical bits, which can only store either a zero or a one, qubits can exist in a superposition of both states at the same time.

This gives quantum computers the potential to perform parallel computations and explore a larger space of possibilities.

However, qubits are also very sensitive to noise and errors, which can degrade their performance and accuracy.

To overcome this challenge, quantum computers need to implement quantum gates, which are operations that manipulate the states of qubits and create quantum correlations, or entanglement, between them. Quantum gates are the building blocks of quantum algorithms, which are designed to solve specific problems using quantum logic.

The more qubits and quantum gates a quantum computer can handle, the more complex and useful problems it can tackle.

However, scaling up quantum systems is not easy, as it requires maintaining the coherence and quality of qubits and gates, as well as integrating them with classical computing resources.

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How is IBM scaling up quantum computing?

IBM has been a pioneer in quantum computing since the 1980s, when it demonstrated the first quantum logic gate.

Since then, it has been developing and improving its quantum hardware and software, as well as collaborating with a broad ecosystem of clients, partners, and developers to explore the applications and benefits of quantum computing.

In 2020, IBM unveiled its first quantum roadmap, which outlined its plans to build quantum processors with increasing qubit counts and gate counts, as well as improving the error correction and fault tolerance of its systems.

The roadmap also included the goal of achieving quantum advantage, which is the point where quantum computers can outperform classical computers on certain tasks.

The roadmap has been updated with new milestones and targets, as follows:

– 2021: IBM launched the “Eagle” quantum processor, which has 127 qubits and can execute up to 3,000 quantum gates. This processor is capable of running quantum circuits with no known classical solution, demonstrating the utility of quantum computing as a scientific tool.

– 2022: IBM plans to launch the “Osprey” quantum processor, which will have 433 qubits and can execute up to 10,000 quantum gates. This processor will enable more advanced quantum simulations and optimizations, as well as testing new error mitigation techniques.

– 2029: IBM aims to launch the “Starling” quantum processor, which will have 200 qubits and can execute up to 100 million quantum gates. This processor will mark the next inflection point in quantum computing, as it will surpass the leading classical approaches for simulating complex physical systems, such as materials and molecules.

– 2033: IBM envisions to launch the “Blue Jay” quantum processor, which will have 2,000 qubits and can execute up to 1 billion quantum gates. This processor will be the basis of quantum-centric supercomputing, which will combine quantum and classical computing resources to solve problems that are impossible for classical systems alone.

Why is quantum computing important?

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize many industries and domains, such as chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, finance, security, and artificial intelligence.

By harnessing the power of quantum mechanics, quantum computers can model and optimize natural phenomena, discover new drugs and materials, enhance encryption and cybersecurity, and accelerate machine learning and artificial intelligence.

IBM is working with various organizations and institutions to explore the use cases and value of quantum computing, such as Boeing, Bosch, Cleveland Clinic, CERN, DESY, E.ON, ExxonMobil, Moderna, Oak Ridge National Lab,

The University of Chicago, RIKEN, and Wells Fargo. These collaborations aim to develop quantum solutions that can address real-world challenges and opportunities.

IBM’s quantum computing roadmap is an ambitious and exciting plan that shows the company’s commitment and leadership in advancing the field of quantum computing.

By scaling up its quantum hardware and software, IBM hopes to bring quantum computing closer to reality and enable its widespread adoption and impact.