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There is a widespread agreement that achieving reliable and advanced quantum computations hinges on the advent of error-corrected quantum computing, which is not expected to materialize until late in this decade. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether we can execute limited yet beneficial calculations before then. IBM stands out as one of the companies optimistic about this possibility, having recently unveiled several initiatives aimed at facilitating such advancements.
Individually, the updates being introduced may not be groundbreaking; however, when considered together, enhancements across both hardware and software have led to significantly more efficient operations with reduced error rates. The overall outcome is a system capable of handling some of the most complex calculations ever attempted on IBM’s quantum hardware. This progress has left the company hopeful that users will discover scenarios where quantum technology offers distinct advantages.
Advancements in Hardware and Software
IBM’s initial forays into quantum computing were marked by a rapid increase in qubit numbers, making it one of the pioneers to achieve a count exceeding 1,000 qubits. However, each qubit was plagued by high error rates that rendered any algorithms utilizing all available qubits prone to failure during computations. In response to these challenges, IBM has shifted its focus toward enhancing smaller processors’ performance over time. The latest announcement highlights the launch of its Heron processor’s second iteration featuring 133 qubits—still surpassing classical computers’ simulation capabilities if it can maintain sufficiently low error levels.
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