Amazon takes on Google, Microsoft with first quantum computing chip
What's the story
Amazon's cloud-computing arm Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled its first-ever quantum computing chip called 'Ocelot.'
The Seattle-based tech giant claims this chip marks a major step in the development of practical and reliable quantum computers.
Ocelot aims to cut the costs of correcting errors in quantum computing by as much as 90%.
The launch comes a week after Microsoft announced its inaugural quantum chip.
Prototype details
Ocelot: A prototype for quantum error correction
Oskar Painter, head of quantum hardware for AWS, clarified that Ocelot is a prototype and not a fully operational quantum system.
He explained, "It's designed to test our ability to perform quantum error correction, and once we have that building block, then we can scale it up to a much larger size."
This highlights the chip's main role as a solution for one of the biggest problems in quantum computing - qubit errors.
Qubit issues
Understanding the challenge of qubit errors
Qubits, the building blocks of quantum computation, are known to produce errors while solving complex problems. These errors tend to grow as quantum systems grow in size.
Qubits are also susceptible to environmental disturbances like heat and vibrations that can interfere with their quantum state.
To counter these problems, techniques such as quantum error correction are used.
Future prospects
Quantum computing's potential and current limitations
Quantum computers could revolutionize fields like drug discovery, data encryption, and cybersecurity with their unique computational capabilities.
Painter estimates it will take at least another decade before this technology becomes commercially viable.
This timeline, however, is contested by other industry experts who believe practical quantum computers could be just a few years away.
Quantum initiatives
Amazon's quantum journey and future plans
Amazon started its quantum computing journey five years ago by setting up a quantum lab at the California Institute of Technology.
The company has also launched a quantum-computing advisory program and a cloud-based service called Amazon Braket.
These efforts are designed to help businesses develop and test quantum algorithms in simulations, preparing them for the inevitable shift toward this advanced technology.