What you need to know about Majorana 1, the quantum chip announced by Microsoft based on topological quibits. This technology promises greater stability, but arouses skepticism …
Microsoft has announced that it has created the first topological quibita technology that could be the basis of a New generation of quantum computers. Computers based on topology should be easier to build on a large scale than other competing technologies, as they offer better protection against noise. However, some scientists are skeptical about the company’s claims.
The announcement arrived on February 19 in a press release containing Few technical detailsbut Microsoft shared some data with experts selected in a meeting at its research center in Santa Barbara, California. The preliminary study was shared on Nature and in preparation on Arxiv (a platform that collects final drafts of articles ready for printing in scientific journals). Here you are 8 things that it is useful to know about Majorana 1, the Microsoft quantum chip:
1. First of all: but who was Ettore Majorana?
The chip takes its name from the Italian physicist Ettore Majorana, known (also) for his contributions to quantum mechanics and particles theory. Majorana theorized the existence of particles known as Majorana’s quasi -partywhich could have unique properties useful for the quantum computation. His figure, and his destiny, are still surrounded by mystery: he disappeared in 1938 in circumstances never clarified, feeding hypotheses and speculations.
2. What are the quibits?
Unlike the classic bit, that only i can assume values 0 or 1, Qubit exploit quantum overlapa property of the Quantum mechanics that allows them to exist in multiple states at the same time. This feature allows quantum computers to process information exponentially faster than traditional computers. However, i Qubit are extremely sensitive to environmental interference And they can lose their consistency quickly.
3. Topological qubit: more resistant to “noise”
THE topological qubit they are based on collective states of electrons which are intrinsically resistant to noise. In this context, the “noise” refers to any external interference, such as Thermal or electromagnetic fluctuationswhich can disturb the delicate quantum balance of the quibit e compromise calculations.
4. The experiment with superconductors nanophili
The study on Nature describes experiments with a Device to Nanofilo superconductor Made of arseniuro of Indian. A nanophilic It is a thread of material with a section of the diameter of the order of nanometers (Milionesimi of millimeter), which presents properties unique quantities. The objective of the experiment is to host Two topological states called Majorana.one at each end of the nanophilo, to verify the possibility of using them in quantum computation.
5. Indirect tests, not definitive … with warning
Tests suggest that nanophilo contains Extra electron in a relocated stateshared between two unarticces of Majorana. However, the authors of the study warn that These “alone” measurements do not guarantee the actual presence of topological quibits.
6. Criticisms from the scientific community: Hurry announcement!
Some researchers criticize Microsoft for announcing the creation of a qubit without issuing detailed tests. According to the scientist Daniel Loss, of the University of Basel, it would have been better to wait to have more complete data before a public announcement.
7. And now? Microsoft’s plan for quantum computing
The company shared one Roadmap for climb its topological machines and demonstrate that they can perform quantum calculations. In this context, “climbing” means increasing the Qubit number while maintaining the stability and the consistency of the system, a step crucial to make quantum computers that can be used on a large scale.
8. Yes, but in the end all this could be used for?
The announcement of Microsoft’s creation of topological qubit opens the way to numerous practical applications for end users. The experts asked in these hours have imagined scenarios in the most diverse fields. Among all: the data security (quantum computers could revolutionize encryption and guarantee safer communications, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access), The discovery of new drugs and new materials (because they will be possible to simulate complex molecular systems in reduced times) and the optimization of financial and logistics processes (which becoming more “reactive” and efficient, they could see their costs reduced).
According to Microsoft new measurements will make it more and more difficult to explain the results with non -topological models. However, as the researcher Chetan Nayak says, “There will be no single moment in which everyone will be convinced». This means that it will not exist a definitive and immediate experiment that undoubtedly confirms the validity of technology; Rather, the trust in the feasibility of the project It will gradually grow as new data will be collected and confirmed regardless of other research groups.
