Google Quantum Computer Solved a 10-Year Calculation in 5 Minutes

Willow with 105 Qubits Unveiled
Quantum Computer's Biggest Challenge 'Errors'
Increasing Qubit Count to Reduce Error Rate
Real-Time Error Correction Now Possible
Expectations Rise for Full-Scale Quantum Computer Commercialization

With Google developing a next-generation quantum chip capable of performing calculations that would take 10 septillion years in just 5 minutes, the dream of quantum computers is becoming a reality.

According to a paper published by Google in the scientific journal Nature and foreign media reports on the 9th (local time), Google has developed a new quantum chip called "Willow," equipped with 105 qubits (quantum computer components).

Google explained that a quantum computer equipped with this chip solved a mathematical calculation that the fastest existing supercomputer would take 10 septillion years (10 to the 24th power) to solve, in just 5 minutes. Foreign media described the significance by stating, "It accomplished a mathematical calculation that existing computers could not complete even if they worked for a time exceeding the age of the universe."

Quantum computing is an advanced technology that utilizes quantum mechanical principles to process calculations at speeds overwhelmingly faster than conventional computers. While traditional computers use bits that can only be either 0 or 1 at a time, quantum computers use qubits that can exist in infinite superpositions of 0 and 1, enabling rapid information processing.

However, although quantum computing has been under development for over 30 years, it remains an experimental technology. The biggest challenge has been that while qubits can process calculations at speeds transcending space and time, they are prone to errors caused by minor factors. This has been a core obstacle in the development of quantum computing.

Google, which has devoted itself to error correction research, announced that it has mastered a method to reduce error rates by increasing the number of qubits within Willow. It also emphasized that it has developed a function to correct errors in real time. However, the quantum computing technology disclosed by Google this time used algorithms created for testing purposes and has not yet been applied in practical cases.

Google plans to announce next year a case where its quantum computer solves problems that conventional computers cannot. Hartmut Neven, head of Google's quantum division, said, "Google has finally crossed the break-even point."

The US daily The New York Times reported on Google's development of Willow, expressing expectations that quantum computing technology could become commercialized. The NYT evaluated, "Google's achievement shows that scientists are steadily developing ways to fulfill long-held expectations for this technology."

If quantum computing becomes commercialized, humanity is expected to make groundbreaking advances in a wide range of fields including AI, medicine, battery chemistry, and encryption. John Preskill, a physicist at the California Institute of Technology, predicted, "It may still take several decades, but eventually we will see the impact of quantum computing on everyday life."

Quantum computing is emerging as a next-generation technology field as important as AI in the US-China hegemony battle. The US has decided to ban investments in core components necessary for development and production in the quantum computing field targeting China starting January next year.

In the US, not only large companies such as Google, IBM, and Intel but also specialized startups like IonQ and Rigetti Computing are striving to develop quantum computing technology. China, which actively provides subsidies, is reported to have spent more than $15.2 billion on quantum research.

According to financial information company Fortune Business Insights, the quantum computing market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 34.8%, expanding from $885.4 million (about 1.26 trillion KRW) last year to $12.62 billion (about 18.72 trillion KRW) by 2032.