Shamraiz | December 11, 2024
Quantum computing is witnessing a seismic shift, and leading this transformation is Willow, the new quantum chip by Google Quantum AI. As announced, this state-of-the-art innovation achieves quantum error correction breakthroughs and benchmark improvements that indicate the future will surpass classical computing in scale and utility.
Meet Willow, our state-of-the-art quantum chip
Cracking the Code of Quantum Error Correction
One of the most significant hurdles in quantum computing has always been errors. Unlike classical bits, quantum bits, or qubits, are highly sensitive and prone to losing information due to interactions with their environment. This challenge escalates as more qubits are added, often pushing systems toward classical behaviors instead of true quantum computation.
Willow changes this narrative. Published in Nature, groundbreaking results show that Willow achieves exponential quantum error correction. Scaling up from grids of 3×3 qubits to 7×7, each step reduced the error rate by half, a feat described in the quantum realm as achieving “below threshold.” This historic milestone addresses a problem introduced by Peter Shor nearly three decades ago, proving for the first time that increasing the number of qubits can reduce, rather than amplify, errors.
In addition to exponential error reduction, Willow also introduces real-time error correction on superconducting quantum systems. For quantum computations to succeed, errors must be corrected faster than they occur, and Willow’s arrays achieve this, extending qubit lifetimes beyond the performance of individual physical qubits. This advancement positions Willow as the most convincing prototype for a scalable logical qubit yet.
Unmatched Computational Performance
To measure Willow’s capabilities, researchers used the Random Circuit Sampling (RCS) benchmark, which was designed to test whether a quantum computer could solve problems that were inaccessible to classical systems. The results are breathtaking. Willow managed to perform a calculation in under five minutes—a job that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers an astonishing 10 septillion years. That is more time than the age of the universe.
This achievement not only speaks about the computing power of Willow but also validates the applicability of quantum systems that can be used to find solutions for problems that will never be addressed by traditional computers. RCS is an entrance point as well as a critical challenge for quantum supremacy, and Willow’s performance stamps its authority in this rapidly transforming field.
Willow was developed at Google’s quantum fabrication facility located in Santa Barbara, one of the world’s premier quantum chip development centers. It features a focus on holistic performance across every system-engineered aspect—from the qubit gates through readouts.
Unlike the traditional approach, which emphasizes merely counting qubits, Willow instead emphasizes quality over quantity. It has 105 qubits and the best performance in both quantum error correction and algorithmic benchmarks. Moreover, its qubit retention times, or T1 times, have increased fivefold from the previous generations and are almost up to 100 microseconds. These numbers are the results of careful design and fabrication.
Towards Practical Quantum Applications
Willow marks an important milestone, but it’s still quite a journey from here. The next challenge lies in showing “useful, beyond-classical” computations to solve real-world problems. So far, quantum experiments have either outperformed classical systems on benchmarks or studied quantum systems for scientific discovery. Now the goal is to integrate both by applying quantum systems like Willow to commercially relevant applications.
Applications range from speeding up drug discovery and designing better batteries for electric cars to furthering research on fusion energy. Quantum computers will solve problems that no classical computer can. Willow’s capabilities combined with the ever-improving quantum algorithms open doors to these applications.
Quantum AI: A Vision for the Future
Google Quantum AI started with a dream in 2012 to design a large-scale useful quantum computer that would put the principles of quantum mechanics to work for society. Willow marks a major milestone on that roadmap, demonstrating the possibility of exponential improvement in error correction as well as computational capability for quantum systems.
Quantum computing, together with artificial intelligence, is one of the most transformative technologies of the century. Advanced AI systems will increasingly rely on quantum computing to handle complex data, optimize learning architectures, and simulate quantum effects in areas like materials science and energy innovation. Willow serves as a bridge between these two fields, unlocking unprecedented potential for AI and quantum technologies alike.
Looking Ahead
Willow’s achievements reflect that the era of practical quantum computing is closer than anyone has ever thought. Based on record-breaking performance with exponential error correction and highly scalable architecture, Willow not only sets a new standard for a quantum chip but also reinforces the promise that quantum computing will be a great transformative force in science, industry, and society.
