To solve some of the toughest challenges in physics, chemistry, and other fields, quantum computers will eventually need extremely large numbers of qubits. Unlike classical bits that can only represent a 0 or a 1, qubits can hold both states at the same time through a phenomenon known as superposition. This unusual property of quantum mechanics could allow quantum computers to outperform traditional machines in certain types of calculations. However, qubits are highly delicate, and this fragility makes them prone to errors. To overcome this, researchers design systems with extra qubits that act as backups to detect and correct mistakes. As a result, building reliable quantum computers is expected to require hundreds of thousands of qubits.
In a major step toward this goal, physicists at Caltech have assembled the largest qubit array ever achieved: 6,100 neutral-atom qubits arranged in a grid using laser light. For comparison, earlier versions of similar arrays were limited to just a few hundred qubits.
This achievement comes during a rapidly intensifying global race to expand quantum computing. Competing efforts include platforms based on superconducting circuits, trapped ions, and neutral atoms, the approach used in this new study.
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