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Google’s Willow quantum chip has achieved a historic milestone, claiming a breakthrough that could redefine how complex calculations are performed. The chip’s latest experiment marks a major step toward practical quantum computing, combining unprecedented speed with verifiable results.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently went to X to announce a significant quantum computing milestone: “New breakthrough quantum algorithm published in @Nature today: Our Willow chip has achieved the first-ever verifiable quantum advantage.”
The algorithm, called Quantum Echoes, performed 13,000 times faster than the optimal classical algorithm on one of the world's fastest supercomputers, he described. The result, says Pichai, is reproducible, i.e., other quantum systems are able to reproduce or validate it in an experiment.
The experiment marks a historic moment for the entire concept of technology. A quantum computer has already carried out a complex, verifiable calculation faster than any classical supercomputer and also recorded what is called by the experts as a ‘verifiable quantum advantage.’
Quantum computing not only presented speed but also, for the very first time, it has provided reproducibility. This solves one of the largest problems associated with the field.
Quantum Echoes is also known technically as the out-of-order time correlator (OTOC). It gives scientists the chance to see how information goes in and out of a quantum system.
The algorithm can analyze everything from the behaviour of magnets and molecules to black holes. Pichai was keen on using the technology in real-life applications, especially in drug discovery and materials science. The identification of molecular interactions on a quantum level can immensely contribute to speeding up innovation in this field.
The news immediately grabbed the interest of tech giants. Tesla CEO Elon Musk replied on X, saying, “Congrats. Looks like quantum computing is becoming relevant.”
The back and forth underscores a certain awakening in the industry towards quantum technologies with real-world potential to surpass classical computing.
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This achievement with the Google Willow chip puts the company in the lead for developing useful quantum applications. Scientists can now focus on investigating more sophisticated simulations and actual problem-solving with verifiable quantum systems.
The achievement is being referred to as a milestone towards the first real-world application of quantum computing. The chip is expected to have potential cascading effects throughout science and technology.
