Company Oxford Ionics, founded by scientists from Oxford University, has developed a new high-performance quantum chip that has set new records in the field of quantum calculations. What sets this chip apart is that it achieved these records without the need for error correction and can be manufactured in existing semiconductor factories. The company predicts that a practical quantum computer will be accessible to the world within the next three years.
Quantum calculations represent the forefront of computer technology, where computations that would take years for current supercomputers can be solved in a matter of seconds. Various research institutions and private companies are racing to create the first functional quantum computer. At the core of this technology are quantum bits or qubits, which require specialized conditions to operate, leading researchers to seek simpler methods of processing these quantum systems.
Established in 2019 by Oxford scientists, Oxford Ionics utilizes captured ions for quantum calculations, offering a unique approach compared to traditional methods. By leveraging captured ions, the company ensures precise measurements and long-lasting superposition without the use of lasers, instead using an innovative electronic method known as Electronic Qubit Control.
The Oxford Ionics team has successfully integrated all the necessary components for controlling captured ions into a silicon chip that can be mass-produced in existing semiconductor facilities. This development paves the way for scalable quantum computers based on captured ions.
In a recent announcement, Oxford Ionics confirmed breaking global quantum performance records by achieving record levels in two-qubit and one-qubit gates. One of the biggest challenges in quantum computing is the accumulation of errors due to high computational speeds. Traditionally, researchers address this issue by using multiple physical qubits to create more stable logical qubits and complex error correction algorithms. However, Oxford Ionics has developed high-performance qubits that minimize the need for error correction.
This innovative approach paves the way for practical applications of quantum computing without the added costs of error correction. With a scalable cube management architecture, Oxford Ionics aims to develop a chip containing 256 qubits in the near future. The achievements of Oxford Ionics represent a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing, accelerating the development of commercially viable quantum computers that can tackle real-world problems across various industries, from finance and pharmaceuticals to artificial intelligence and cryptography.