Quantum computers could revolutionize the way we tackle problems that stump even the best classical computers.
Single atom transistor recently introduced has been seen as a tool that could lead the way to building a quantum computer. For general introduction how quantum computer work, read A tale of two qubits: how quantum computers work article.
D-Wave Announces Commercially Available Quantum Computer article tells that computing company D-Wave has announced that they’re selling a quantum computing system commercially, which they’re calling the D-Wave One. D-Wave system comes equipped with a 128-qubit processor that’s designed to perform discrete optimization operations. The processor uses quantum annealing to perform these operations.
D-Wave is advertisting a number of different applications for its quantum computing system, primarily in the field of artificial intelligence. According to the company, its system can handle virtually any AI application that can be translated to a Markov random field.
Learning to program the D-Wave One blog article tells that the processor in the D-Wave One – codenamed Rainier – is designed to perform a single mathematical operation called discrete optimization. It is a special purpose processor. When writing applications the D-Wave One is used only for the steps in your task that involve solving optimization problems. All the other parts of your code still run on your conventional systems of choice. Rainier solves optimization problems using quantum annealing (QA), which is a class of problem solving approaches that use quantum effects to help get better solutions, faster. Learning to program the D-Wave One is the first in a series of blog posts describing the algorithms we have run on D-Wave quantum computers, and how to use these to build interesting applications.
But is this the start of the quantum computers era? Maybe not. D-Wave Announces Commercially Available Quantum Computer article comments tell a story that this computer might not be the quantum computer you might be waiting for. It seem that the name “quantum computer” is a bit misleading for this product. There are serious controversies around the working and “quantumness” of the machine. D-Wave has been heavily criticized by some scientists in the quantum computing field. First sale for quantum computing article tells that uncertainty persists around how the impressive black monolith known as D-Wave One actually works. Computer scientists have long questioned whether D-Wave’s systems truly exploit quantum physics on their products.
Slashdot article D-Wave Announces Commercially Available Quantum Computer comments tell that this has the same central problem as before. D-Wave’s computers haven’t demonstrated that their commercial bits are entangled. There’s no way to really distinguish what they are doing from essentially classical simulated annealing. Recommended reading that is skeptical of D-Wave’s claims is much of what Scott Aaronson has wrote about them. See for example http://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/?p=639, http://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/?p=198 although interestingly after he visited D-Wave’s labs in person his views changed slightly and became slightly more sympathetic to them http://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/?p=954.
So it is hard to say if the “128 qubits” part is snake oil or for real. If the 128 “qubits” aren’t entangled at all, which means it is useless for any of the quantum algorithms that one generally thinks of. It seem that this device simply has 128 separate “qubits” that are queried individually, and is, essentially an augmented classical computer that gains a few minor advantages in some very specific algorithms (i.e. the quantum annealing algorithm) due to this qubit querying, but is otherwise indistinguishable from a really expensive classical computer for any other purpose. This has the same central problem as before: D-Wave’s computers haven’t demonstrated that their commercial bits are entangled.
Rather than constantly adding more qubits and issuing more hard-to-evaluate announcements, while leaving the scientific characterization of its devices in a state of limbo, why doesn’t D-Wave just focus all its efforts on demonstrating entanglement, or otherwise getting stronger evidence for a quantum role in the apparent speedup? There’s a reason why academic quantum computing groups focus on pushing down decoherence and demonstrating entanglement in 2, 3, or 4 qubits: because that way, at least you know that the qubits are qubits! Suppose D-Wave were marketing a classical, special-purpose, $10-million computer designed to perform simulated annealing, for 90-bit Ising spin glass problems with a certain fixed topology, somewhat better than an off-the-shelf computing cluster. Would there be even 5% of the public interest that there is now?
1,209 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-solve-a-40-year-quantum-mystery-that-could-change-electronics-forever/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-a-way-to-shrink-quantum-computer-components-by-1000x/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://blog.google/technology/research/behind-the-scenes-google-quantum-ai-lab/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rigetti Computing Rockets 237% in a Month: Quantum Innovation Sparks Investor Frenzy
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rigetti-computing-rockets-237-month-172630637.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Bitcoin would need over 300 days of downtime to adequately defend itself from the ‘imminent’ threat of quantum computing, research finds
https://fortune.com/2024/12/17/bitcoin-downtime-update-quantum-computing-attack-study/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Kvanttitietokoneiden virheiden korjaamiseen 1,5 miljoonaa euroa
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2024/12/19/kvanttitietokoneiden-virheiden-korjaamiseen-15-miljoonaa-euroa/
Aalto-yliopiston professori Mikko Möttönen kehittää tutkimusryhmänsä kanssa uudenlaista ratkaisua, jonka avulla mikroaaltopulssit voidaan jatkossa pitää millikelvinin eli -273 asteen lämpötilassa. Hanke on saanut Jane ja Aatos Erkon säätiöltä 1,5 miljoonan euron kolmevuotisen apurahan.
Yksi kvanttitietokoneiden kehityksessä suurimmista haasteista on se, että kvanttibitit eli kubitit ovat liian epätarkkoja. Tarvitaan siis tehokkaampaa kvanttivirheen korjausta, jotta kvanttitietokoneita voidaan tulevaisuudessa ottaa laajemmin käyttöön. “Tällä hetkellä näitä virheitä luetaan kvanttiprosessorista niin, että tieto tuodaan kaapeleita pitkin millikelvinin eli -273 asteen lämpötilasta huoneenlämpöön tavallisen tietokoneen prosessoitavaksi”, Möttönen kertoo.
Kun tavanomainen tietokone keksii, minkälaisesta virheestä on kyse, se lähettää ohjauspulssin kvanttiprosessorille takaisin superkylmään samanlaisia kaapeleita pitkin. Koko prosessi on aivan liian hidas, ja sinä aikana kubitteihin ehtii tulla lisää virheitä. Prosessissa tarvitaan erikoisia komponentteja, ja se on myös hyvin tehotonta ja kallista.
“Pidemmällä aikavälillä ajatuksemme on rakentaa itsenäisesti toimiva kvanttiprosessori, mutta kolmen vuoden aikana emme varmastikaan pääse vielä tähän tavoitteeseen. Ala on vielä lapsenkengissä, eikä takaisinkytkentöjä ole aiemmin tehty näin matalissa lämpötiloissa”, Möttönen pohtii.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Are quantum computers now advanced enough to need operating systems?
Quantum computing hardware has been progressing rapidly in recent years – and quantum software is following
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2461015-are-quantum-computers-now-advanced-enough-to-need-operating-systems/#Echobox=1734536730
Tomi Engdahl says:
Quantum teleportation can survive through busy internet cables
An experiment showing that quantum and classical communication can be carried out through the same fibre at the same time may open the door to building a quantum internet with existing infrastructure
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2461649-quantum-teleportation-can-survive-through-busy-internet-cables/#Echobox=1734711616
Tomi Engdahl says:
Could this discovery finally make practical quantum computing a reality? https://link.ie.social/pVebTh
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/01/04/sudden-transition-in-superconductors-could-shift-quantum-technology-into-high-gear/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Saudi Arabia Lays Out Its Strategic Vision For The Quantum Era
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/01/06/saudi-arabia-lays-out-its-strategic-vision-for-the-quantum-era/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Jeran Wittenstein / Bloomberg:
Major quantum computing stocks, up 300%+ in the past year, fell on January 7 after Jensen Huang said “very useful” quantum computers are likely decades away
Quantum Stocks Drop as Nvidia CEO Sees Use Years Away
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-08/quantum-computing-stocks-drop-as-nvidia-ceo-sees-use-years-away
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2025/01/13/suomi-kurottautuu-kohti-piipohjaista-kvanttikonetta/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Company Claims Quantum Algorithm Implements FULL Adder Operations on Quantum Gate Computers
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/01/01/company-claims-quantum-algorithm-implements-full-adder-operations-on-quantum-gate-computers/
Insider Brief
MicroAlgo Inc. claims to have developed a quantum algorithm implementing FULL adder operations in CPU registers on quantum gate computers, which the company says enhances efficiency and accuracy.
The algorithm is reportedly based on the Bernstein-Vazirani method and incorporates quantum registers to leverage qubit properties like superposition and entanglement.
No peer-reviewed research or third-party validation was provided to support MicroAlgo’s claims, leaving the significance of the announcement unverified.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Quantum Sensor Measures Data Securely Over 50 Kilometers Without Entanglement
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/01/02/quantum-sensor-measures-data-securely-over-50-kilometers-without-entanglement/
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Quantum Cybersecurity Revolution: Arguably The Biggest Startup Opportunity In 2025
https://www.forbes.com/sites/abdoriani/2024/12/30/the-quantum-cybersecurity-revolution-arguably-the-biggest-startup-opportunity-in-2025/
Quantum computing is rapidly transitioning from theoretical research to practical applications. Among the most affected fields is cybersecurity, because the threat of quantum decryption makes many of the current cybersecurity systems obsolete.
Needless to say, this huge threat to the world’s digital information provides great opportunities for innovative companies to create effective data protection for a quantum computing world.
This article examines how these technologies are evolving and their implications for tech startups in the upcoming year.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Scaling and networking a modular photonic quantum computer
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08406-9
Photonics offers a promising platform for quantum computing1,2,3,4, owing to the availability of chip integration for mass-manufacturable modules, fibre optics for networking and room-temperature operation of most components. However, experimental demonstrations are needed of complete integrated systems comprising all basic functionalities for universal and fault-tolerant operation5. Here we construct a (sub-performant) scale model of a quantum computer using 35 photonic chips to demonstrate its functionality and feasibility. This combines all the primitive components as discrete, scalable rack-deployed modules networked over fibre-optic interconnects, including 84 squeezers6 and 36 photon-number-resolving detectors furnishing 12 physical qubit modes at each clock cycle.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/01/20/is-quantum-computing-leader-ionq-still-a-buy-after/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/01/19/reassuring-news-for-quantum-computing-investors/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Quantum Computing Further Out In The ‘AI Decade,’ John Chambers Says
https://www.investors.com/news/technology/quantum-computing-further-out-ai-decade-john-chambers/
That’s what’s been happening with quantum computing stocks, which crashed after Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang argued that the technology won’t be “very useful” for 15 to 30 years. The comments sparked a sell-off in quantum computing stocks including IonQ (IONQ), D-Wave (QBTS) and Rigetti Computing (RGTI).
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/schrodingers-cat-breakthrough-could-usher-in-the-holy-grail-of-quantum-computing-making-them-error-proof
Tomi Engdahl says:
Breaking Quantum Limits: MIT’s Fluxonium Qubits Achieve Unprecedented Precision
https://scitechdaily.com/breaking-quantum-limits-mits-fluxonium-qubits-achieve-unprecedented-precision/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/17068-ioniloukun-suurimmat-haasteet-ratkaistu
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/27/1110540/useful-quantum-computing-is-inevitable-and-increasingly-imminent/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/30/1110672/this-quantum-computer-built-on-server-racks-paves-the-way-to-bigger-machines/
Tomi Engdahl says:
New chip to solve quantum computing roadblocks
https://www.eenewseurope.com/en/new-chip-to-solve-quantum-computing-roadblocks/
The goal is to make quantum computers faster, more efficient, and scalable, enabling them to tackle challenges like drug discovery, cybersecurity, and AI
The European Commission is investing in a groundbreaking quantum chip that combines light and electronics for the first time, promising faster, more efficient quantum computers.
Supported by the Quantum Flagship, the ONCHIPS consortium is laying the foundations for a new type of quantum hardware with advanced materials that have never been combined before.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/01/30/quantum-sources-scalable-photon-atom-technology-enables-practical-quantum-computing/
Tomi Engdahl says:
It combines the precision of digital computing with the speed of analog simulation. https://link.ie.social/T3AlAj
Tomi Engdahl says:
Quantum networks require quantum nodes that are built using quantum dots. https://link.ie.social/wsQBUe
#QuantumRegister #EntangledSpins #QuantumDots
Tomi Engdahl says:
NVIDIA Stock: Beyond AI! How It’s Shaping a New Era in Quantum Computing
3 February 2025
by Kariza Bexley
NVIDIA is strategically entering the quantum computing market, which may reach $65 billion by 2030.
The company’s GPUs are crucial for developing quantum algorithms and simulations.
Strategic partnerships and acquisitions are enhancing NVIDIA’s capabilities in quantum research.
Investors view this move as potentially boosting NVIDIA’s market value and reinforcing its leadership in tech.
The fusion of AI and quantum computing could revolutionize industries and attract futurist investors.
https://kuhinje-ewe.si/news-en/nvidia-stock-beyond-ai-how-its-shaping-a-new-era-in-quantum-computing/80202/#google_vignette
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Quantum Computing Stocks Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Fell Double Digits in January
By Jeremy Bowman – Feb 6, 2025 at 3:09PM
Key Points
Quantum stocks soared in December after Alphabet said it reached a new milestone.
In January, they fell on doubts from two major tech CEOs.
These three stocks still look highly speculative at this point.
10 stocks we like better than Rigetti Computing
https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/02/06/why-quantum-computing-stocks-rigetti-computing-d-w/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.litgrid.eu/index.php/news-events-/news/estonian-latvian-and-lithuanian-power-systems-disconnected-from-russian-ipsups-system-/36047
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.barchart.com/story/news/30732975/why-wall-street-rates-these-2-quantum-computing-stocks-as-strong-buys-now
Tomi Engdahl says:
Breakthrough as Oxford scientists achieve teleportation with quantum supercomputer
Breakthrough brings quantum computing closer to large-scale practical use
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/oxford-teleportation-quantum-computing-supercomputer-b2695851.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Google Quantum AI Head Sees Commercial Quantum Within Five Years
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/02/05/google-quantum-ai-head-sees-commercial-quantum-within-five-years/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/02/05/ibm-has-earned-1-billion-from-quantum-cnbc-reports/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Quantum Leap: Rigetti’s Triumphant Surge Signals a New Tech Era
1 February 2025
by Carrie Kurland
Rigetti Computing’s stock soars by over 22%, driven by Nvidia’s upcoming “Quantum Day” announcement.
The fusion of Nvidia’s AI advances with quantum computing sparks industry excitement and potential breakthroughs.
Rigetti is at the forefront with quantum innovations and practical applications spanning pharmaceuticals, finance, and logistics.
Quantum computing’s integration with AI is poised to revolutionize complex computations and data analysis.
Challenges remain in tackling error correction, scalability, and R&D investment in quantum computing.
Rigetti’s stock rise signals major industrial shifts, prompting sectors to embrace quantum computing’s transformative potential.
https://kuhinje-ewe.si/news-en/quantum-leap-rigettis-triumphant-surge-signals-a-new-tech-era/76744/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/02/04/bill-gates-sees-quantum-computings-potential-arrival-in-three-to-five-years/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/02/13/practical-quantum-computing-five-to-ten-years-away-google-ceo/
Tomi Engdahl says:
4 Game-Changing Quantum Computer Types That Could Transform Everything
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2025/02/14/4-game-changing-quantum-computer-types-that-could-transform-everything/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://tekniikanmaailma.fi/oxfordin-tutkijoiden-lapimurto-saattaa-tuoda-kvanttitietokoneet-lahemmas-todellisuutta/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2025/02/14/4-game-changing-quantum-computer-types-that-could-transform-everything/
So What Are The Different “Types” Of Quantum Computers?
Several distinct quantum computing methodologies have emerged, each leveraging quantum properties in different ways, making them suitable for carrying out different types of computation. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular:
Quantum Annealing
This is a quantum computing methodology that’s particularly well-suited to solving optimization problems. These are computations that require finding the best combination of a large number of variables. It can be of use in real-world scenarios ranging from planning the most efficient route for multi-drop delivery drivers to optimizing stock portfolios. D-Wave is recognized as a leader in this field of quantum computing
Superconducting Quantum Computers
One of the most mature quantum computing methods involves building circuits from superconductive materials such as niobium or aluminum, cooled to near absolute zero temperatures. This allows qubits to exist in superposition states of both one and zero simultaneously, where they can be manipulated by microwaves. In simple terms, this lets them carry out computational logic operations (and/or/not etc) in a way that lets them explore multiple possible solutions to a problem in parallel, rather than one at a time. Superconductive quantum computing is being pioneered by companies such as IBM and Google and has real-world applications in drug discovery, artificial intelligence, and encryption.
Trapped Ion Quantum Computers
This involves using positively charged atoms (ions) trapped and held within a 3D space in a way that entirely isolates it from the outside world. This means that it can be held in its superposition state for a very long time rather than decohering into one or zero. Lasers are used to switch the ions between different states as required for calculations, as well as to retrieve the information that forms the “answer” to the question that needs to be solved. Leaders in this field of quantum computing include IonQ, which has worked with the United States Air Force to create secure quantum networking technology for communicating between drones and ground stations.
Photonic Quantum Computers
This involves harnessing photons, which are light waves, and manipulating them using optical components like beam splitters, lenses and mirrors. Having no mass, light waves are not affected by temperature. This means that photonic quantum computing doesn’t require super-low temperatures and a specially configured environment. Another benefit of being light beams is that the qubits encoded in photons can maintain their coherence over relatively long distances. Real-world applications for it have been found in quantum cryptography and communications, and leaders in the field include Xanadu.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How the megaquop machine could usher in a new era of quantum computing
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2466740-how-the-megaquop-machine-could-usher-in-a-new-era-of-quantum-computing/
John Preskill has been guiding the growing quantum computing industry for decades, and now he has set a new challenge – to build a device capable of a million quantum operations, or a megaquop
Tomi Engdahl says:
The cybersecurity crossroads: AI and quantum computing could save or endanger us
AI enhances cybersecurity by detecting threats in real-time, yet hackers exploit it for advanced attacks; meanwhile, quantum computing threatens encryption, risking sensitive data; the future of cybersecurity depends on how quickly defenses evolve to counter these threats
Tomi Engdahl says:
The cybersecurity crossroads: AI and quantum computing could save or endanger us
AI enhances cybersecurity by detecting threats in real-time, yet hackers exploit it for advanced attacks; meanwhile, quantum computing threatens encryption, risking sensitive data; the future of cybersecurity depends on how quickly defenses evolve to counter these threats
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/bjpsrj9y1g
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2025/01/13/suomi-kurottautuu-kohti-piipohjaista-kvanttikonetta/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=fi&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2025/02/16/using-antimony-to-make-qubits-more-stable/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Jorge Garay / Wired:
In a breakthrough, University of Oxford scientists sent the first quantum algorithm wirelessly between two separate quantum processors via particle entanglement
A ‘Teleportation’ Breakthrough for Quantum Computing Is Here
A team at the University of Oxford succeeded in getting two quantum processors to connect to each other and transmit the same information using particle entanglement.
https://www.wired.com/story/quantum-computing-information-teleportation/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Microsoft has announced that is has created the first ‘topological qubits’ — a way of storing quantum information
Microsoft claims quantum-computing breakthrough — but some physicists are sceptical
The tech giant aims to make ‘topological’ quantum computers that will reach useful scales faster than competing technologies.
https://go.nature.com/41qTebx?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3Ycp6E7P9V8JBfl5aqfh_aIeCCZj7V94C_OTBFcB3QNqxjuXAZihVN3F8_aem_uySkYAJjY8RzKEFFUsGtJA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tom Warren / The Verge:
Microsoft unveils the Majorana 1, its first quantum processor that uses Majorana particles instead of electrons, with the potential to fit a million qubits — Microsoft has spent 17 years researching a new material and architecture for quantum computing.
Microsoft announces quantum computing breakthrough with new Majorana 1 chip
Microsoft has spent 17 years researching a new material and architecture for quantum computing.
https://www.theverge.com/news/614205/microsoft-quantum-computing-majorana-1-processor
Microsoft believes it has made a key breakthrough in quantum computing, unlocking the potential for quantum computers to solve industrial-scale problems. The software giant has spent 17 years working on a research project to create a new material and architecture for quantum computing, and it’s unveiling the Majorana 1 processor, Microsoft’s first quantum processor based on this new architecture.
At the core of a quantum computer are qubits, a unit of information in quantum computing much like the binary bits that computers use today. Companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google have all been trying to make qubits as reliable as binary bits for years now because they’re a lot more delicate and sensitive to noise that can create errors or lead to loss of data.
Majorana 1 can potentially fit a million qubits onto a single chip that’s not much bigger than the CPUs inside desktop PCs and servers. Microsoft isn’t using electrons for the compute in this new chip; it’s using the Majorana particle that theoretical physicist Ettore Majorana described in 1937. Microsoft has reached this milestone by creating what it calls the “world’s first topoconductor,” a new type of material that can not only observe but also control Majorana particles to create more reliable qubits.
Microsoft has outlined its research in a peer-reviewed paper published today in Nature, explaining how its researchers were able to create the topological qubit. Microsoft has helped create a new material made from indium arsenide and aluminum, and it has placed eight topological qubits on a chip that it hopes can eventually scale to 1 million.
A single chip with a million qubits could perform simulations that are a lot more accurate and help improve the understanding of the natural world and unlock breakthroughs in medicine and material science. That’s been the promise of quantum computing for years now, and Microsoft believes its topoconductor, or topological superconductor, is the next big breakthrough.