Google unveils quantum chip Willow, billed as quantum leap for computing

By Merve Berker

Google has introduced its latest quantum computing chip, Willow, claiming groundbreaking advancements in a technology that could redefine computing's future, press reports said on Monday.

Google said the new chip can solve problems in five minutes that would take the world's fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years, or a one followed by 25 zeroes, according to the BBC.

This development marks a major step in the pursuit of scalable quantum computing.

Quantum computing uses principles of quantum mechanics, a branch of physics dealing with the behavior of subatomic particles, to process complex calculations far faster than classical computers.

Google's Quantum AI lab, led by Hartmut Neven, developed Willow, which Neven described as "the best quantum processor built to date."

While Willow is an experimental device, Neven said it incorporates significant breakthroughs, particularly in error correction, a critical challenge in quantum computing.

Google researchers claim they managed to reduce the error rate as the number of qubits (quantum bits) increased, a reversal of a long-standing problem in the field.

-Still in early days

Alan Woodward, a computer scientist at England’s Surrey University, praised the progress but warned against overstating Willow's achievements, the BBC added.

He highlighted that Google's benchmark test was tailored for quantum computing and did not demonstrate universal superiority over classical computers.

Woodward described the development as encouraging but stressed that quantum computing is still in its nascent stages.

Quantum computers are expected to transform industries such as medicine, energy, and logistics by simulating quantum systems and solving intricate problems.

Neven suggested that Willow's initial applications would likely involve tasks like designing nuclear fusion reactors or developing advanced pharmaceuticals and car batteries.

However, he admitted that commercial quantum computing applications might still be years away.

Michael Cuthbert, director of the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre, described Willow as a "milestone rather than a breakthrough" and urged caution against fueling a "hype cycle."

He acknowledged the chip as a remarkable piece of engineering that could pave the way for future advancements.

Quantum computing businesses in the UK have attracted £800 million ($1.02 billion) in funding and created 1,300 jobs.

Willow was manufactured in Google's specialized facility in California, and its scientific findings were published in the journal Nature.

Meanwhile, researchers from Oxford University and Osaka University in Japan recently showcased a trapped-ion qubit approach with a very low error rate.

Unlike Google's ultra-low temperature design, their approach works at room temperature, highlighting the diversity of methods being explored in this cutting-edge field.

Despite its impressive progress, Google acknowledges that further advancements are necessary before quantum computing can achieve widespread practical use.