Microsoft and Atom Computing unveil 24-qubit quantum machine

A partnership between Microsoft and Atom Computing has leveraged high-performance computing to successfully process 24 logical qubits, or quantum bits, marking a milestone in the quest to bring fault-tolerant quantum computing to life.

Unveiled on Tuesday, Atom Computing’s neutral atom hardware, in combination with Microsoft’s qubit virtualization software, created a 24 logical qubit entangled state. Quantum entanglement is a foundational principle of quantum mechanics and is a crucial component for applications of quantum computing, such as cryptography and complex problem solving. 

Microsoft and Atom Computing’s announcement is significant because it tackles a major problem with quantum computation: noise. The disturbances caused by quantum noise can lead to errors in computation and can stem from a variety of variables in the system. By using chargeless neutral atoms, Microsoft said that it has been able to detect errors within qubits and correct them while computing, making outputs from a given quantum machine accurate.

“For the first time, we correct what's called loss. This is a type of error and noise, and we show, for the first time, that we can correct that loss,” Krysta Svore, a technical fellow at Microsoft’s Advanced Quantum Development, told Nextgov/FCW. “This really paves the path as we advance towards demonstrating scientific quantum advantage.”

High performance computing and artificial intelligence also play a role in Microsoft and Atom Computing’s machine. Microsoft is leveraging its new Azure Quantum platform, also based on logical qubits, in its visualization software stack.

As a hybrid computing solution, delivery for customers through cloud access is slated to begin in 2025.

“Ultimately, we want to show quantum advantage with reliable quantum computing, and show that advantage for scientific discovery,” Svore said. 

Accessing quantum computing technologies from a cloud environment is the likely future of the quantum computing industry, according to Chirag Dekate, an analyst at Gartner. He told Nextgov/FCW that Microsoft’s use of established technologies like high performance computing and AI with emerging quantum capabilities characterizes the broader industry approach to quantum solutions ahead of larger tech transitions.

Dekate explained that people can use high-performance computing with technologies available today to deliver immediate value and prepare for transitions to quantum capabilities over the next several years.