[Reading Science] The Dawn of the 1000-Qubit Quantum Computer Era

IBM and Atom Computing Unveil High-Performance Quantum Computers in Succession
Quantum Computers Now Capable of Supercomputer-Level Performance
Further Advances Needed for True Quantum Computer Functionality

With the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, graphics processors (GPUs) for AI training have emerged as the darlings of the semiconductor market, but efforts to enhance computer computing power cannot be neglected. This is why the IT industry and scientific community are focusing on the dream technology of quantum computing. Quantum computing, once considered only a dream technology, has recently approached the real world.

Quantum System Two, a quantum computer introduced by IBM. Photo by IBM

Current computers use binary code composed of 0s and 1s for calculations. In contrast, quantum computers, based on quantum mechanics, can handle 0 and 1 simultaneously, causing computation speed and processing capacity to soar dramatically. While the U.S. company Microsoft (MS) has focused on generative AI in collaboration with OpenAI, IBM, the pioneer of computers, has concentrated on quantum computing. The new quantum computer IBM unveiled on the 4th has been regarded as sufficiently attention-grabbing. This quantum computer achieved a computation speed of 1121 qubits. IBM set the record for the fastest quantum computer in 2022 with a speed of 433 qubits but more than doubled that speed within a year.

This is slightly slower than the 1180 qubits computation speed recorded by the quantum computing startup Atom Computing last October, but it is considered an important milestone as it surpassed 1000 qubits. Atom Computing achieved this feat one month ahead of IBM’s 1000-qubit target announced last year.

So far, only Atom Computing and IBM have publicly demonstrated quantum computers with speeds exceeding 1000 qubits. Although IBM’s quantum computer recorded the second-fastest speed, the more significant point is surpassing the 1000-qubit threshold rather than the speed gap.

The two companies build quantum computers using different methods. Atom Computing’s quantum computer processes information using neutral atoms. IBM operates its quantum computer with processors based on superconducting electric circuits. The processors IBM revealed this time for quantum computers are the performance-oriented ‘Condor’ and the accuracy-focused ‘Heron.’

Quantum computer by Atom Computing. Photo by Atom Computing

Within just over a month, two quantum computers have surpassed the 1000-qubit speed, marking an important milestone in the quantum computing industry.

The 1000-qubit competition also carries significant implications for the role of quantum computers. Quantum computers with 1000-qubit speeds can be actively used in various research fields. This corresponds to supercomputer-level capabilities. Ultimately, the commercialization benchmark for quantum computers can be considered 1000 qubits.

Ben Bloom, Chief Technology Officer and founder of Atom Computing, described the breakthrough of 1000 qubits as a “monumental achievement.” However, this also implies that quantum computers still require much more development. The science media New Scientist pointed out that quantum computers may need to reach millions of qubits to realize their true potential. Apart from the speed of 1000 qubits, the stability and reliability of qubits are also crucial. The reason IBM’s ‘Heron’ attracted attention despite its 133-qubit performance is that it compensates for the biggest weakness of quantum computers?calculation errors. It improves error rates by five times compared to existing systems.

Quantum computers alone are not enough. Hardware must advance alongside software. Application (app) technology that enables practical use of quantum computers is essential. IBM is leading the way by releasing Qiskit, an open-source software development platform for quantum computer app development.

President Yoon Suk-yeol has repeatedly emphasized the importance of quantum computers, but compared to overseas companies, South Korea’s quantum computer development still has a long way to go. The Ministry of Science and ICT has set a goal to develop a quantum computer with 1000-qubit performance by 2031, investing 996 billion won.