Quantum superconducting computers are already available from D-Wave, but they work only for special problems (solving parameter optimization problems with combinatorial linear equations). Now the European Union is aiming for the Holy Grail—a universal superconducting quantum computer that can solve any problem digital computers can plus use qubits to solve problems that require too much time on digital computers.

One recent European Research Council (ERC) grant for an ultra-sensitive superconducting photon detector, by Aalto University (Helsinki, Finland) scientists Mikko Möttönen, Joonas Govenius, Russell E. Lake and Kuan Yen Tan, could clear the way to a universal supercomputing quantum computer.

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