The New Quantum Processor From Google is Preparing to Achieve Quantum Supremacy
Google's new quantum processor, Bristle bone, may be the first to achieve quantum supremacy, a milestone in the history of computing.
For a long time, quantum computers have ceased to be a utopia to become a reality that, with a few more steps, can compete, and even overcome, the performance of conventional supercomputers. This is what Google intends with its new Bristle cone quantum processor . As the company collects in its research blog , with it they want to demonstrate "quantum supremacy" in the future.
That fact is nothing more than what we defined at the beginning, with the peculiarity that it is not about overcoming performance in any situation, but in a certain problem. Why a quantum computer instead of a conventional one? The theory says that it is not just a question of ideas or of overcoming tradition, but that achieving the results of supercomputers requires less energy resources, that is, that the same (and soon more) is achieved with greater efficiency.
In addition, according to MIT Technology Review , quantum computers could perform calculations impossible for conventional supercomputers. It is not minor, because it could lead to discover new materials, improve the security and encryption that we currently use, for example, improve the algorithms and neural networks that we are currently using in what we consider artificial intelligence .
So far, no other proposal could compare with IBM, absolute leader in the sector , but Google says that with Bristle cone could be the first to get 49 quits . The problem with quantum processors is that they commonly fail, so you have to consider the error rates. Until now, Google had achieved an error rate of 0.6% with two qubit gates . To achieve quantum supremacy, they claim to have to get those 49 qubits with an error rate of 0.5% and two quit gates.
Getting those numbers requires great control over factors such as electronics or the processor . In addition, it is not achieved in the first attempt, but requires several attempts or iterations. Once the quantum supremacy is achieved , we will enter the interesting phase of availability .