On Wednesday, Microsoft announced a major scientific breakthrough that could usher in a quantum computing revolution. The Majorana 1 is the first quantum chip powered by the Topological Core architecture, a new technology that uses an undiscovered state of matter.
Using the world's first topoconductor, it can observe and control particles to create qubits, the most important part of quantum computers. The topoconductor uses a special material that creates new states of matter—besides the three basic states: solid, liquid, and gas. As it can reach a million qubits, this chip will be the foundation for solving complex industrial and social problems that traditional computers cannot handle.
To accomplish this, Microsoft used a new material stack consisting of indium arsenide and aluminum, which was created atom by atom to create Majorana particles. With a new measurement methodology, qubits can be digitally controlled—a major step in the development of quantum computing.
Because of this breakthrough, Microsoft is one of two companies participating in the Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program of DARPA. The goal of this program is to build the first fault-tolerant quantum computer that can be used on a large scale in industry.
Why is quantum computing so important? According to Microsoft, scientists believe that quantum computers can help in discovering why materials break easily and developing self-healing materials for industry. It can also facilitate the destruction of pollutants and plastic, improve soil fertility, and boost food production in extreme climates. Additionally, with the help of AI technology, quantum computing can help engineers, scientists, and companies to speed up the design process and get the right answer to complex problems.
