Google says they’ve reached “practical quantum advantage”: solving in two hours what would take a supercomputer three years!
For years, the concept of quantum supremacy was seen as a distant goal, more of a theoretical idea than a practical reality. However, Google recently announced a significant breakthrough in quantum computing, claiming to have achieved practical quantum supremacy. Unlike previous milestones, this accomplishment is not just a simulation or experiment without real-world applications. The results were verified in measurable molecules, demonstrating a level of precision that classical computers cannot match.
**Quantum Echoes: Rewinding Time Algorithm**
Google introduced an algorithm capable of executing “repeated protocols of time inversion,” essentially rewinding a quantum system to extract lost correlations and patterns. This groundbreaking technique was independently verified and labeled as a calculation “beyond the classical regime.” It represents a significant step forward from the controversial claims of quantum supremacy in 2019.
**From Theory to Reality**
The novelty of Google’s achievement lies not only in its speed but also in its verifiability and applicability. The algorithm was used to measure real molecules, producing results comparable to traditional techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This practical application of a quantum algorithm opens up possibilities for more precise material and chemical analysis in the future.
**The Verdict from the Scientific Community**
Physicist Alberto Casas praised the algorithm’s ability to recover information in complex quantum systems, highlighting its potential for various technological applications. However, he emphasized the need for peer review to ensure practicality. Google’s chief scientist, Michel Devoret, stressed the importance of the algorithm’s open-source nature, allowing for verification and implementation in other quantum processors.
In conclusion, Google’s achievement in quantum computing represents a significant milestone towards practical applications in scientific research and beyond. If confirmed and reproducible, this breakthrough could mark the beginning of quantum computing as a useful tool rather than a mere technological showcase. The future of quantum computing looks promising, blurring the line between science fiction and reality.
