In a significant leap forward for the field of quantum computing, technology giant Fujitsu and research institute Riken announced the successful development of Japan’s second quantum computer. The breakthrough marks a pivotal step in the global race to harness the potential of quantum technology for practical applications.
The newly unveiled quantum computer boasts an impressive 64 qubits, a fundamental unit of quantum information. To enhance its capabilities and pave the way for more accurate results, the system will be integrated with a 40 qubit quantum computer simulator. This integration is crucial for identifying and eliminating errors that have historically hindered the accuracy and reliability of quantum computing systems.
Shintaro Sato, the head of Fujitsu’s quantum laboratory, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “It’s kind of a first or second step, we still have a long way to go.” Acknowledging the immense potential of quantum computing, Sato highlighted that further research and development are essential to unlock the technology’s full capabilities.
Across the globe, governments and leading tech companies, including IBM and Alphabet, are funneling substantial investments into quantum computing research. Quantum computers have the potential to achieve speeds millions of times faster than the fastest conventional supercomputers, revolutionizing various sectors and solving complex problems more efficiently.
IBM, a pioneer in quantum computing, set a notable milestone last year by launching a 433 qubit quantum computer. The qubit count serves as a crucial metric to measure the computational power of quantum computers, which operate based on the principles of quantum mechanics, Reuters news report said.
The competition in the realm of advanced technologies, particularly quantum computing, is intensifying among major global players, including China and the United States, along with their allied industrial democracies. The strategic importance of quantum technology has prompted President Joe Biden to take measures to limit certain U.S. investments in Chinese efforts to advance quantum capabilities, reflecting the high stakes in this technological race.
