Microsoft, together with Quantinuum, has developed the most error-free quantum solution to date.

Quantum technology has made great strides in recent years and many companies have also adopted this technology, although this has not yet resulted in many practical implementations. This could change, according to Microsoft, as the company, together with Quantinuum, announced that they have developed the most error-free quantum computing system to date, based on the grouping of physical and virtual qubits. This would have resulted in 14,000 error-free experiments. Researchers can preview the quantum computer via private preview.

Physical and virtual qubits

In contrast to classical computers, which work on the basis of binary bits, quantum computers use qubits that can exist in a superposition of two states at the same time. However, qubits have the disadvantage that they are error-sensitive, which is why current quantum computers are currently only used for research or experiments.

Microsoft and Quantinuum say they have a solution to this problem by grouping physical qubits into virtual qubits. This would make it possible to diagnose and fix errors without destroying them, via Quantinuum’s hardware. The result? An error rate that was 800 times better than relying solely on physical qubits. Microsoft claims to be able to carry out 14,000 experiments without errors.

“Strong result”

“Microsoft’s announcement is a “strong result.” The Quantinuum system has impressive error rates and control, so it was plausible that they could do an experiment like this, but it’s encouraging to see that it worked,” said Aram Harrow, a professor of physics at MIT, in a statement Email Engadget.

Microsoft wants to achieve this “Level 2 Resilient” quantum computing, a level that would be reliable enough for practical applications. Curious researchers can get a glimpse of Microsoft’s quantum computing in a private preview via Azure Quantum Elements.