Microsoft’s quantum leap: how will Majorana 1 change the industry?
20 February 18:16
Microsoft has announced a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by unveiling its first quantum chip called Majorana 1, according to the company’s website, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
This chip is based on a new architecture that uses topological qubits, which, according to the company, can accelerate the creation of practical quantum computers from decades to several years.
The basis for Majorana 1 is a new class of materials called topoconductors. These materials make it possible to create and control states of matter known as Majorana fermions – particles that are their own antiparticles. The use of such particles contributes to the creation of more stable and scalable qubits, which is a key step towards practical quantum computing.
Traditional qubits are prone to noise and external influences, which leads to errors in calculations. Topological qubits using Majorana fermions have built-in protection against such interference due to their topological properties. This means that they can provide more reliable computations with fewer errors, which is critical for performing complex tasks that are not available to classical computers.
Scaling plans
Microsoft plans to significantly increase the number of qubits in its quantum processors. The current version of Majorana 1 contains eight qubits, but the company aims to create chips with a million qubits on one processor. This will allow solving complex industrial and scientific problems, such as modeling molecules to develop new drugs or create more efficient materials.
Market reaction and competition
Following the announcement of Majorana 1, Microsoft’s shares showed a slight increase, reflecting cautious optimism among investors. At the same time, other companies, such as Google, are also actively working on their own quantum solutions, creating a competitive environment in this rapidly developing field.
