- IBM intends to scale up its quantum computer to over 4,000 qubits by 2025 and beyond.
In 2021, International Business Machines Corp (more commonly known as IBM), broke the 100-qubit barrier with its 127-qubit Eagle quantum computer, just two years after the debut of its 27-qubit Falcon chip. Ultimately, IBM wants to scale up its quantum computers to over 4,000 qubits by 2025 — andit’s on track to achieve that. This week, IBM announced the launch of its Osprey quantum processor, which features 433 qubits, reflecting its slow but steady march towards its quantum computing goals.
IBM’s quantum roadmap essentially consists of two additional stages — the 1,121-qubit Condor and 1,386-qubit Flamingo processors in 2023 and 2024, respectively — before it plans to hit the 4,000-qubit stage with its Kookaburra processor in 2025. “These processors push the limits of what can be done with single chip processors and controlling large systems,” IBM said in its quantum roadmap.
Our new 2022 Development Roadmap
Source: IBM
So far, the company has generally been able to make this roadmap work, but the number of qubits in a quantum computer is obviously only one part of a very large and complex puzzle, with longer coherence times and reduced noise being just as important. IBM’s senior VP and director of research Darío Gi claims the new 433 qubit ‘Osprey’ processor brings the company a step closer to the point where a quantum computer will be used to tackle previously unsolvable problems.
“We are continuously scaling up and advancing our quantum technology across hardware, software and classical integration to meet the biggest challenges of our time, in conjunction with our partners and clients worldwide. This work will prove foundational for the coming era of quantum-centric supercomputing,” he explained.
IBM’s new 433-quantum bit (qubit) processor has the potential to run complex quantum computations well beyond the capability of any classical computer. For reference, IBM said the number of classical bits that would be necessary to represent possible states on the IBM Osprey processor far exceeds the total number of atoms in the known universe.
IBM has also released a beta update to Qiskit Runtime, which now includes allowing a user to trade speed for reduced error count with a simple option in the API. “By abstracting the complexities of these features into the software layer, it will make it easier for users to incorporate quantum computing into their workflows and speed up the development of quantum applications,” the statement reads.
IBM also detailed its Quantum System Two yesterday — basically, IBM’s quantum mainframe — that will be able to house multiple quantum processors and integrate them into a single system with high-speed communication links. The idea is to launch this system by the end of 2023, when it will be a building block of quantum-centric supercomputing.
Quantum computers and the issue of scaling
For IBM, going beyond single chip processors is the key to solving scale. In 2023, the company plans to introduce classical parallelized quantum computing with multiple Heron processors connected by a single control system. “In 2024, we will debut Crossbill, the first single processor made from multiple chips. The same year will also unveil our Flamingo processor. This remarkable processor will be able to incorporate quantum communication links, allowing us to demonstrate a quantum system comprising three Flamingo processors totaling 1,386 qubits,” it said.
By 2025, IBM will combine multi-chip processors and quantum communication technologies to create its Kookaburra processor. “This will demonstrate a quantum system of three Kookaburra processors, totaling 4,158-qubits. This leap forward will usher in a new era of scaling, providing a clear path to 100,000 qubits and beyond,” it added.
FAQs
IBM calls Condor the world's largest quantum processor. Matthias Steffen, IBM's chief quantum architect, says it demonstrated IBM's ability to produce even smaller qubits and consistently fabricate large numbers of them.
What is the most powerful quantum computer in 2024? ›
IonQ's trapped ion quantum computer utilizes 393 individual ytterbium ions suspended in electromagnetic fields as qubits. It boasts industry-leading fidelities enabling deep quantum circuits. With an expected quantum volume exceeding 4 trillion in 2024, IonQ maintains the most powerful quantum computer in the industry.
Does IBM really have a quantum computer? ›
IBM's quantum processors are made up of superconducting transmon qubits, located in dilution refrigerators at the IBM Research headquarters at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center. Users interact with a quantum processor through the quantum circuit model of computation.
How powerful are quantum computers right now? ›
The world's first quantum computer to exceed 1000 qubits has more than double that of the previous record holder, IBM's Osprey machine, which has 433 qubits.
Who has the best quantum computer right now? ›
1. International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
What is the most advanced computer in the world? ›
Currently top of the list, Frontier — built by supercomputing giant HPE Cray — became the first exascale computer in the world when it went online in 2022.
Who has the fastest quantum computer in the world? ›
In November 2022, America's IBM launched its 433-qubit “Osprey” processor, the world's fastest quantum computer at the time. In October last year, Californian start-up Atom Computing left the Osprey behind with the debut of its first quantum computer with more than 1,000 qubits.
Which country is leading in quantum computing? ›
The United States and China are considered the leaders in the field; many experts believe America still holds an edge. As the race to master quantum computing continues, a scramble is on to protect critical data.
Who is leading the race in quantum computing? ›
IBM, the current leader in quantum computing, last year launched its Quantum System Two, a modular quantum computer powered by an IBM-made chip called the Heron.
Does China have a quantum computer? ›
Origin Quantum Computing Technology, based in Hefei, China, has put its third-generation Origin Wukong quantum computer into operation. It features the 72-qubit Wukong superconducting quantum chip, developed entirely in China.
Google's latest iteration of its quantum machine, the Sycamore quantum processor, currently holds 70 qubits. This is a substantial leap from the 53 qubits of its earlier version.
How close is IBM to quantum computing? ›
IBM developed many of the foundational technologies that will secure the world in the quantum era, and now offers the tools and services needed to implement them. Use our suite of applications to support your quantum research and development needs.
Why will quantum computers fail? ›
This noise wreaks havoc, generating errors or even stopping a quantum computation in its tracks. It doesn't matter how big your processor is, or what the killer applications might turn out to be: unless noise can be tamed, a quantum computer will never surpass what a classical computer can do.
How powerful is a 100 qubit quantum computer? ›
Answer and Explanation: A quantum computer with a capacity of just 100 qubits is more powerful than all the computational systems of the planets together. IBM is among the first companies that recently developed such systems and currently, the quantum computers with more than 2000 qubits have been fabricated.
How many qubits are needed to break Bitcoin? ›
Utilising the tool they developed, the scientific researchers found that a quantum computer with 13 million physical qubits could break Bitcoin encryption within a day; and it would take a 300 million qubit computer to break it within an hour.
How powerful is IBM Condor? ›
“Condor solves a scaling problem. It shows that we can get to 1000 qubits, and that sets us up for the future,” he says. Condor has 1121 qubits, just 59 fewer than Atom Computing.
