Chinese scientists have unveiled a new quantum computer prototype that is claimed to be a million times faster than existing quantum computers and quadrillion times faster than the world’s fastest supercomputer. The quantum processor, described in a new study published in the journal Physical Review Letters, was developed by researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). The researchers reveal that this massive leap in computing power was achieved through optimization in the fabrication and wiring configuration of the quantum processor.
The new quantum computer, named Zuchongzhi-3, significantly outperformed Google’s Sycamore processor, which was previously groundbreaking for completing a random circuit sampling (RCS) task in 200 seconds—a task that would have taken about 10,000 years on the world’s fastest classical supercomputer at the time. By contrast, USTC’s Zuchongzhi-3 surpassed Google’s results by 6 orders of magnitude and outstrips the world’s most powerful supercomputer by 15 orders of magnitude. The researchers claim that replicating Zuchongzhi-3’s computation on the Frontier supercomputer would require approximately 5.9×10 years, firmly establishing a new benchmark in quantum computational advantage.
China’s leap in quantum power
“This process [RCS] has become a focal point of intensive research due to its capacity to underscore the computational superiority of quantum systems,” the scientists explained in the study. The advancement signifies a huge step forward in the quest to build quantum computers capable of performing tasks infeasible for classical computers.
The researchers note that this leap in computing power can lead to advanced processors for drug discovery and artificial intelligence. “Our work not only advances the frontiers of quantum computing but also lays the groundwork for a new era where quantum processors play an essential role in tackling sophisticated real-world challenges,” they wrote. This breakthrough in quantum computing continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, bringing us closer to practical applications that could revolutionize various fields including medicine, cryptography, and beyond.
The development of Zuchongzhi-3 marks a significant milestone in the global race for quantum computational advantage.
Image Credits: Photo by Christopher Gower on Unsplash
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