🖥️ Quantum computer demonstrates controlled advantage over supercomputer for the first time

• A quantum computer has for the first time run a verifiable algorithm that is faster than classical supercomputers.
• The Willow chip calculates molecular structures 13,000 times faster than one of the world's fastest supercomputers.
• The technique can be used to measure distances in molecules and provide more information about chemical structure than today's methods.

First verifiable quantum advantage

Google has shown that a quantum computer can run an algorithm that surpasses the capability of supercomputers. The result was published in Nature and shows that the Willow chip ran the Quantum Echoes algorithm 13,000 times faster than the best classical algorithm on one of the world's fastest supercomputers.

The algorithm is verifiable, which means the result can be repeated on a quantum computer of the same quality and give the same answer. This is the first time any quantum computer has run a verifiable algorithm that goes beyond what supercomputers can do.

How the technique works

The technique works like an advanced echo. A signal is sent into the quantum system with qubits on the Willow chip. Then one qubit is perturbed and the signal's evolution is reversed to listen for the echo that comes back.

The quantum echo is amplified through constructive interference, which means quantum waves add up and become stronger. This makes the measurement sensitive.

The Willow chip has 105 qubits. The algorithm requires both low error rates and fast operations to deliver precision and complexity.

Measures molecular structures

Quantum computers can model quantum mechanical phenomena such as how atoms and particles interact and what structure molecules have. Scientists use Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to understand chemical structure. NMR functions as a molecular microscope that shows the relative position of atoms.

Google ran the Quantum Echoes algorithm on the Willow chip to study two molecules. One molecule had 15 atoms and the other had 28 atoms. This was done in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley.

The results on the quantum computer matched traditional NMR. The technique also revealed information that is not usually available from NMR.

Applications in medicine and materials

Quantum computer-enhanced NMR can be used in drug development to determine how potential medicines bind to their targets. In materials science, the technique can be used to characterize the molecular structure of new materials such as polymers, battery components, or materials that make up qubits.

The technique can measure longer distances than today's methods by using data from NMR to obtain more information about chemical structure. Modeling the shape and dynamics of molecules is fundamental in chemistry, biology, and materials science.

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