Taking quantum computing to the next level - Digital Journal

Leaping forward with quantum technology. — Image by © Tim Sandle. Leaping forward with quantum technology. — Image by © Tim Sandle. Tech developers Quantinuum have announced the next generation of its quantum hardware: Helios. This device pushes further into the quantum advantage regime than any system before it with significantly higher performance than other quantum computers. Benchmarking tests conducted with Sandia National Laboratories also show that this new machine reaches far beyond the simulation abilities of classical computers. With an unprecedented 2:1 ratio of 98 physical qubits to 48 logical qubits while maintaining the industry’s highest fidelities of any commercial system, the system’s higher performance is due to a new ion trap ‘junction’ design, a new qubit building block (Barium 137), and new real-time and dynamic classical control software. In quantum computing, fidelity is a metric that determines the accuracy of system’s computation. The lower a system’s error rate, the higher its fidelity. With Barium 137 this presents an alternative is to use optical transitions, which can be used for high-fidelity readout via a shelving technique to a metastable state. To date, a combination of both hyperfine and optical qubit approaches has been demonstrated. Helios enables developers to program a quantum computer in much the same way they program heterogeneous classical computers. A new, modern Python-based programming language called Guppy allows developers to seamlessly combine hybrid compute capabilities — quantum and classical — in a single program. “The next computing inflection point starts today,” explains Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum. “For the first time enterprises can access a highly accurate general purpose quantum computer to drive real world impact, transforming how industries innovate – from drug discovery to finance to advanced materials.” System performance The specification for the quantum computer is: Physical qubits (PQ): 98 PQ at 99.921% 2-qubit gate fidelity, and 99.9975% 1-qubit gate fidelity. Logical qubits (LQ): 94 LQ (error detected) globally entangled with better than physical performance; 50 LQ (error detected) with better than physical performance in a magnetism simulation; and 48 LQ (error corrected) with better than physical performance (99.99% state prep and measurement fidelity). Helios unlocks the ability to enhance GenAI models with quantum generated data, thereby further unlocking AI’s potential in areas such as data analysis, material design, and quantum chemistry. Firms working with Quantinuum and seeking to take advantage of quantum computers include: Amgen: An investor and research collaborator, exploring hybrid quantum-machine learning to advance data-driven discovery in biologics. BlueQubit: AI image recognition using real-world driving video data. BMW Group: advancing sustainable mobility through materials research on fuel cell catalysts. JPMorganChase: researching potential capabilities for advanced financial analytics. SoftBank Corp.: exploring organic materials for next-gen batteries, optical switches, and solar cells. Many firms regard quantum computing as something beyond just a technology investment. Instead, it is conceived as a people strategy. In this article:Computers, Data, machines, Quantum, quantum computing, Technology Written By Dr.

Tim Sandle Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs. Advertisement Subscribe to our newsletter Trending Tech & Science Is agentic AI tech’s ticking timebomb? Business Why your team is misreading the room and how to fix it World World order in ‘midst of a rupture’: Canada PM Carney tells Davos Business Why faster payments raise the stakes for trust in Canada’s financial system Entertainment Henrianne Jansen talks about starring in ‘Beyond Silence’ short film You may also like: Business Opinion: Gen Alpha vs AI and uncharted territory Who will save Gen Alpha, you cry, from your luxurious favela? Gen Alpha, because nobody else can. Paul Wallis9 hours ago World Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff if it completes China trade deal Trump warned Canada that if it concludes a trade deal with China, he will impose a 100 percent tariff on all goods coming over... AFP19 hours ago Business Iranians struggle as internet shutdown hits livelihoods The prolonged shutdown has impacted key sectors of the economy from travel to exports, according to Iranians in Tehran. AFP19 hours ago Tech & Science Op-Ed: UK government’s water reforms are too timid and are not in the interests of the people The UK government has issued a white paper to reform the privatised water sector, with a new regulator. While a small improvement, these reforms... Dr.