Google’s Willow, a next-generation 100-qubit quantum computing chip, has achieved exponential error correction, a breakthrough in quantum computing. Capable of performing computations in under five minutes that would take supercomputers 10 septillion years, Willow sets new benchmarks in quantum error correction and scalability. While some speculate it could eventually pose a threat to Bitcoin’s encryption, experts believe such risks are decades away as quantum computers would need millions of qubits for such tasks. With advancements, Willow aims to address real-world problems in AI, medicine, and energy, marking a significant leap toward practical quantum computing.
- Google Willow: A state-of-the-art quantum computing chip with 105 qubits.
- Achieved a 30-year milestone in quantum error correction, enabling exponential error reduction as qubits scale up.
Key Features and Achievements:
- Exponential Error Correction:
- Larger arrays of qubits (3×3 to 7×7 grids) reduce error rates by half each time.
- Achieved “below threshold” error rates for scalable quantum systems.
- Benchmark Performance:
- Solved a computation in under 5 minutes that would take a supercomputer 10 septillion years (exceeds the universe’s age).
- Demonstrated real-time error correction and longer qubit lifetimes in arrays compared to individual qubits.
- Potential Applications:
- AI development, drug discovery, fusion energy, battery chemistry, and other scientific challenges.
- Future focus: Perform “useful, beyond-classical” computations with real-world impact.
Implications for Bitcoin and Cryptography:
- Can Willow Crack Bitcoin?
- Current Bitcoin encryption requires 13 million qubits for decryption within 24 hours.
- Willow, with 105 qubits, is far from this threshold but represents significant progress in quantum computing.
- Cryptocurrencies are expected to adopt quantum-resistant algorithms before practical threats emerge.
Competitive Landscape:
- Other Players: IBM and Microsoft are also advancing quantum computing technologies.
- Google’s Willow sets new milestones but lacks immediate commercial applications.
Reference: Fortune India
