Why Google's Quantum Chip 'Willow' Is The Future Of Technology
California, US: Google announced its quantum computing chip called ‘Willow,’ which was able to solve a complex mathematical problem within five minutes. The task would have taken a leading supercomputer over 10^25 years, longer than the history of the universe. Developed at Google’s quantum lab in Santa Barbara, California, the next-gen chip has made the tech world watch in awe. The quantum chip is set to make a bold step towards technology in the future.
Shortly after the announcement, shares of Google’s Alphabet surged about 5 percent on Tuesday.
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Why Willow Is Significant?
Its latest quantum chip, Willow, has made state-of-the-art performance across a number of metrics and recorded two major achievements, according to a Google blog post.
Google announced that Willow can reduce errors at an exponential rate as we scale up using more qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers. Although qubits are fast, they are prone to error, which is why quantum computers are reliable and commercially viable.
Introducing Willow, our new state-of-the-art quantum computing chip with a breakthrough that can reduce errors exponentially as we scale up using more qubits, cracking a 30-year challenge in the field. In benchmark tests, Willow solved a standard computation in <5 mins that would…
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 9, 2024
Because more qubits used in quantum computing means more chances of error. But through Willow, Google found a way to combine qubits to reduce the rate of errors as the number of qubits increases. In fact, it also said that it can correct errors in real time.
Quantum computing is essential for tech companies so their developing systems perform at speeds faster than traditional silicon-based computers.
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The quantum chip uses superconducting transmon qubits—tiny electrical circuits exhibiting quantum behaviour at severe low temperatures. These circuits are engineered to work like artificial atoms in a quantum state.
For Google, Willow works as an important step towards its goal to build a useful quantum computer with applications in areas such as drug discovery, fusion energy, and battery design.
Willow will have major implications in science, medicine, and finance. The next-gen chip could lead to major breakthroughs and discoveries across industries.
