Schrödinger chip

Microsoft announced a new chip, which was created from new matter. We figure out what it is

Microsoft has announced a new chip that can accelerate development in the field of quantum calculations and bring the appearance of a full -fledged quantum computer. This is a technological breakthrough, the main feature of which is that it does not guarantee anything. The only thing that is understandable is time to understand modern technologies.

As a disclaimer: I did not teach physics, I look at the formulas of quantum calculations with amazement, but I understand: this is the future, which, however, is unknown when it comes.

With ordinary computers, more or less clear. There are bits there. Bit is the simplest way to measure the amount of information. It may be 0 or 1. The task of a modern computer is to quickly calculate the set of bits and give out the result. Perhaps the most visual demonstration today is Bitcoin cryptocurrency. A simple formula believes whether there is a coin or not. Actually, it was these calculations that caused the demand for video cards with powerful chips, the task of which today seems stupid: to calculate 1/0 or/no many times.

In the world of quantum calculations, the minimum unit is the cubit. It would be possible to simplify and say that the cube is at the same time 1 and 0, but it will be inaccurate, since these parameters can be anywhere. The result of calculations is no less dynamic. It depends on the moment of observation and changes each time.

Artificial intelligence, which helps to describe this incomprehensible horror, offers an analogy with a toss coin, which is simultaneously an eagle and a tails, and its location in space depends on the moment when we look at it.

The most visual representation is the scope of the flea.

As a theoretical result, 1 cube can have many variations, which, again in theory, leads to the acceleration of calculations.

Further more complicated. The totality of cubes forms a quantum confusion. This is when two or more cubes are interconnected and affect each other. The nearest analogy from real life: two lovers, who may be separated by kilometers. One thinks about the other, and he, the other, rejoices. If you try to shift the formulas of quantum confusion into Russian, then the best description will be the joke: "What is a fig?" “ It's from here to such and such a mother.” In real life, this is expressed by formulas, an attempt to visualize or presentation of which requires not only education, but also extraordinary abilities.

The task of a quantum computer is to fix the result of quantum confusion. The problem is that it is worthwhile to measure and fix it - it is changing right away. In general, everything is complicated. But the result, if it is achieved not in the form of endless formulas and theoretical models, but in real life, will fundamentally change the world, as it will accelerate the possibility of calculations by thousands or even tens of thousands of times. Modern computers against the background of quantum will resemble the simplest calculators.

And this will change about everything. The most striking example is cryptography. If you take a powerful computer and set him the task of hacking a modern cryptographic algorithm through a banal overlap of options - this will take years. The quantum computer will cope with this in minutes. By shifting this analogy to other industries, you can imagine that everything will work not only quickly, but superbly, which will affect all sectors where calculations are involved in one way or another. Given that there are more and more world now and our world is largely virtual - sooner or later, but the revolution awaits us.

But what about the quantum computers from Google or IBM, where processors for hundreds of cubes are already used? Anyone can even play with the latter, it is enough to master the Quipper programming language - and go to the future. But there is one point: errors. Returning to an analogy with a toss coin, which is simultaneously an eagle or a neck that changes its condition depending on the moment of observation. After all, the result, among other difficulties, is influenced by the environment. Those. Conventionally, a lot depends on the temperature and purity of the air. The quantum coin in winter and summer will show different options.

It is the issue of reducing errors that the new chip from Microsoft - Majorana 1 should solve.

The new processor uses innovative materials - a top -conductor to create topological cubes, more stable quantum confusion options. Which, in theory, leads to more accurate results and scaling opportunities. So, it brings the world closer to the implementation of full -fledged quantum computers. The description of the process published in the Nature scientific journal already receives many reviews of both enthusiastic and calm. And it is likely that we really are on the verge of a quantum revolution. According to the creators, the new quantum processor will be integrated into the Azure cloud already in 2030, which is by current standards - consider tomorrow.

Everything would be fine and could proclaim a new era, if not for one “but”. All statements, descriptions and comments, whether critical or complimentary, have a common pattern: an abundance of words “can” and “increases probability”. No one denies a technological breakthrough, but given the complexity of the industry and the fact that, despite all the achievements, the description of the technology even today theoretical and is expressed in endless formulas - it is not possible to say and predict the result.

The world thought about quantum calculations half a century ago, the active development has been going on for twenty years, during which time humanity has achieved phenomenal results, but something everyday and completely tangible behind the mountains. Or maybe not. This is the whole charm of Schrödinger's cat in a box with a nuclear charge. Everything can be with him. So it is with forecasts.

Returning from an unpredictable future to date and trying to escape from scientists with their quantum physics, formulas, assumptions and superpositions, it is worth looking at more prosaic tools for evaluating the surrounding reality, namely the stock market. Despite the ecstasy and the flow of news caused by the press release, the cost of Microsoft shares has not changed significantly. Promotions of profile companies such as Quantum Computing Inc. Or D-Wave Quantum, although they grew up, did not fly into space. Yes, and Nvidia did not collapse anywhere. So if you rely on the opinions of those who let money down the wind, nothing happened outside the vivid scientific statements and high -profile forecasts. So far, in any case.

But the appearance of full -fledged quantum computers is not a chance, but a matter of time. Given the interest in the industry, constant discoveries and achievements, we will hear loud statements with enviable regularity that should bring us closer to the goal. The quantum revolution will definitely happen, the future is exactly behind quantum calculations. Another question is that everything else, including the date when this happens, is very relative.