Quantum Computing Nears Practical Applications

Rapid Summary

• Topic: Quantum Computers & Their Growing Applications.
• Two recent experiments highlight quantum computers’ ability to simulate complex quantum materials, including exotic phases of matter predicted by teh Kitaev honeycomb model.
• Researchers at Harvard University used a 104-qubit cold atom quantum computer to simulate unique magnetic states and quasiparticles known as anyons.
• another study led by the technical University of Munich utilized Google’s Sycamore and Willow quantum computers (72 and 105 qubits respectively) to replicate additional phases of matter in non-equilibrium states, simulating dynamic conditions such as repeated laser exposure.
• These experiments demonstrate progress in using qubits, which are bosons, to emulate behaviors traditionally associated with fermions-key for materials science advancements.
• Achieving true-world applications requires larger-scale, error-minimized quantum computers still under development; current findings lay foundational groundwork.

Image Caption: A 3D illustration of a quantum computer. (Credit: adventtr/Getty Images)