This breakthrough showed that a quantum computer can surpass leading classical simulations
IBM, a global leader in technology and innovation, has made a ground-breaking advancement in the field of quantum computing. In a study published on the cover of the prestigious scientific journal Nature, IBM researchers have demonstrated for the first time that quantum computers can produce highly accurate results at a scale of 100+ qubits, surpassing leading classical computing approaches.
The goal of quantum computing has always been to simulate components of materials that classical computers struggle to efficiently model. By achieving this feat, scientists can tackle complex challenges such as developing more efficient fertilizers, designing better batteries, and creating new medicines. However, quantum systems have historically been plagued by noise and errors, attributed to the fragile nature of quantum bits, or qubits, and external disturbances.
In this latest breakthrough, the IBM research team successfully showed that a quantum computer can surpass leading classical simulations by learning from and mitigating errors within the system. To conduct their experiment, they utilized the IBM Quantum ‘Eagle’ quantum processor, which consists of 127 superconducting qubits on a chip. This powerful quantum computer generated large, entangled states to simulate the dynamics of spins in a model of a material, accurately predicting properties such as magnetization.
To validate the accuracy of the quantum modelling, a team of scientists from UC Berkeley performed parallel simulations on advanced classical computers located at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s National Energy Research Scientific Computing Centre (NERSC) and Purdue University. As the complexity of the model increased, the IBM Quantum system consistently delivered precise results with the assistance of advanced error mitigation techniques. Meanwhile, the classical computing methods eventually reached their limitations and were unable to match the capabilities of the quantum system.
Darío Gil, Senior Vice President, and Director of IBM Research, expressed his excitement about this ground-breaking achievement, stating, “This is the first time we have seen quantum computers accurately model a physical system in nature beyond leading classical approaches.” He further emphasized that today’s quantum computers have proven themselves as scientific tools capable of solving problems that are incredibly challenging, and potentially impossible, for classical systems. Gil believes that this achievement signifies a new era of utility and practicality for quantum computing.
The successful demonstration of quantum computers outperforming classical approaches in modelling natural physical systems marks a major milestone in the field of quantum computing. It not only showcases the rapid progress being made in the development of this revolutionary technology but also opens new possibilities for solving some of the most complex problems faced by industries and researchers worldwide.
Tags: IBM QuantumPrnasia
