Quantum supercomputer would complete complex calculations in the fraction of the time a regular computer can
Researchers at Oxford University have made a major breakthrough which could see an expediential leap in the power of computers. The team at the University of Oxford have built a quantum supercomputer capable of quantum teleportation – meaning calculations that would take today’s machines centuries to complete could be carried out in minutes or even seconds in the near future.
Quantum computing is a cutting-edge science that harnesses the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems. The science itself is nothing new, and researchers have been discovering new possibilities for decades – but it’s only in recent years that significant advancements have been made.
Next-generation computers would replace the binary units of information – either a ‘one’ or a ‘zeros’ – used to transfer and store data in traditional computers with quantum bits – or qubits – which are able to act as ones and zeros, and a value between the two.
Oxford claim a newfound quantum teleportation technique could hold the answer to making a quantum supercomputer. Their findings were published in the journal Nature, in a study titled ‘Distributed quantum computing across an optical network link.’ Dougal Main, from the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford, led the study.
He told The Independent: “Previous demonstrations of quantum teleportation have focused on transferring quantum states between physically separated systems. In our study, we use quantum teleportation to create interactions between these distant systems.
“By carefully tailoring these interactions, we can perform logical quantum gates – the fundamental operations of quantum computing – between qubits housed in separate quantum computers.” In making this significant breakthrough in the field, he believes they are now able to ‘wire together’ distinct quantum processors into one fully connected quantum computer.
This would be capable of a staggering number of complicated calculations in the blink of an eye. The discovery also shows it is possible to build that such a system using already-existing technology.
A principal investigator of the research team and lead scientist at the UK Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub, Professor David Lucas, said: “Our experiment demonstrates that network-distributed quantum information processing is feasible with current technology. Scaling up quantum computers remains a formidable technical challenge that will likely require new physics insights as well as intensive engineering effort over the coming years.”
What could a quantum computer do?
- Supercharge AI development
- Revolutionise the finance industry
- Boost cybersecurity
- Make your SatNav even better
- Speed up the development of new drugs
- Make better batteries for mobile phones