We have problems as humanity. It is not uncommon for technology to be brought into play as a solution, but too often it remains only a hollow mantra. In a new paper, Microsoft presents an approach for a computer that "simply gives the answers" for pressing questions.
The prototype of a new chip is intended to initiate the "Quantum age". Because it should massively shorten the time until the quantum computers' breakthrough.
We explain to you what Microsoft has worked out in his laboratories and why the group puts the breakthrough with that of the first semiconductor of almost 80 years ago.
Milestone for research, development and industry
Quantum computers can cope with calculations in hours for the supercomputers with conventional hardware for centuries. The quantum computer does not simulate the world with circuits, but works within the laws of quantum physics.They communicate in the "language of nature", as Microsoft illustrates it.However, they are not so practical to this day that they could really help companies and research institutions in width.
Here Microsoft started almost 20 years ago and developed a completely new type of component for quantum computers based on a particle that was still theoretical at the time: theMajorana-1-Chip, consisting ofTopokonduktoren
. (viaNature).
One day up to 1 million qubits could fit on a chip- theoretically possible than with previous models. This enables a similar jump to small modern PCs on the desk or even in your pocket (via wareheline-sized computers to small modern PCs (viaMicrosoft).
What are qubits?Although our computers and quantum computers, have a part of a word, namely computers, they are fundamentally different. The latter not only know 0 and 1, they work with so -called quantum bits (qubits). A qubit can only be described correctly by the quantum mechanics. Imagine it less like a coin that shows either head or number (i.e. 0 or 1), but like a coin that is constantly turning. She assumes all conditions at the same timeA so -called super position.
What are quantum gate?Quantum gates are built up from several quBITs and are the basic building blocks of a quantum computer. With them it creates the surroundings from which results can be read from using complex algorithms.
What can a quantum computer that your PC cannot do?Quantum computers do not replace our CPUs and GPUs in PCs, Macs, tablets and smartphones, but they complement them perfectly. Because they process very welllarge amounts of data.
This succeeds through their ability to let countless operations run at the same time. Classic CPUs work quickly, but only one after the other. Quantum computers are the multitasker par excellence.
That is why they are interesting for numerous fields of application, such as medical research, weather and climate models, material research and many more.
In short:Whenever it comes to solve a complex problem with countless variables and dependencies, quantum computers offer potential that is unreachable with classic CPUs and GPUs (viaKarlsruhe Institute of Technology,Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Festival Physics IAFandFraunhofer).
TheMajorana-Fermion, on which Microsoft's chip is the first to build up the world, meanwhile offers superior properties. The exotic particle has been considered a hopeful candidate for the quantum computers of the future for years, such as theUni Baselfounded in detail.
Ultimately, the chip consisting of majorana fancies could ensure that quantum computers:
- kleiner,
- cheaper,
- transportabler,
- faster,
- And continue to be used.
For now, Microsoft is only concerned with research in the United States to further develop technology and increase the density of qubits. Only at a few hundred qubits per chip does the company want to think of commercial use, says Jason Zander, Microsoft's Vice President,Opposite CNBC.
Artificial intelligence + quantum computer = superhero duo
Especially in combination with AI, a quantum computer based on majorana fancies offers an incredibly powerful tool. By Microsoft it says:
The quantum computer teaches AI the language of nature so that you can simply write down the recipe for what you want to build.
Instead of developing, testing and starting countless small solutions over the years, according to Microsoft, a single, directly functioning solution should come out in response to a question.
Another development in the field of quantum computers comes from Great Britain:. In combination with Microsoft's development, perhaps huge networks of the latest quantum data centers could be created,In short: the Internet of the future.
Microsoft's ideas about the potential of quantum computers are not completely new. However, what would represent a revolution is the time proximity. Because instead of decades as before, the group speaksOf the years that only needed to build corresponding super quantum computers with majorana fancies. If this would be a revolution for science. There would be no field that would not benefit from it.
