Harvard Unveils World’s First Logical Quantum Processor: 48 Cubes in Action

A group of scientists from Harvard University, led by Professor Mikhail Lukin, has made significant progress in the field of quantum calculations. They have developed a logical quantum processor consisting of 48 logical cubes. This achievement is a crucial step towards the development of efficient and reliable quantum computers capable of performing complex algorithms with minimal errors. (source)

Quantum calculations differ from traditional computations as they encode information using cubes, rather than bits. These quantum cubes can exist in superposition, simultaneously representing the states 0 and 1. This is made possible by the principles of quantum mechanics.

However, one of the major challenges faced by quantum systems is the instability and susceptibility to losing their quantum state. To address this issue, logical cubes were created. These units of information are more stable and can correct errors, combining multiple physical cubes.

Harvard’s new quantum processor not only allows for information storage but also enables hundreds of operations with logical cubes. This achievement is a significant milestone in developing quantum computers that can operate continuously, even in the presence of errors.

This breakthrough is the outcome of extensive research in the field of quantum technologies and the development of the quantum computing architecture. The architecture, known as an array of neutral atoms, relies on a block of super-cooled Rubidium atoms. These atoms can move and connect to form gates, which are the essential computational units of the quantum computer.

The study, published in Nature magazine, was conducted in collaboration with colleagues from MIT and Quera Computing. The team intends to further demonstrate new types of operations using 48 logical cubes and improve the system’s continuous operation.

Professor Lukin believes that this achievement can be compared to the early stages of artificial intelligence development. He sees this as just the beginning of a new era in quantum calculations, which holds immense potential for scientific and social progress.