Amazon has announced a groundbreaking development in quantum computing with the introduction of its new quantum chip, Ocelot. This prototype chip integrates nine qubits, marking an essential step toward creating a super-powerful quantum computer. The Ocelot chip employs a unique type of qubit known as the "cat qubit," inspired by the Schrödinger's Cat thought experiment. Cat qubits are distinctive in their resistance to certain errors and vulnerability to others. However, Amazon's Ocelot chip features a novel technique that enhances error correction, positioning it ahead of competitors like Google and IBM.
The innovation within the Ocelot chip lies in its ability to correct errors more efficiently, potentially requiring fewer qubits for effective error management. Currently in its prototype phase, the Ocelot chip demands several years of development before it can evolve into a fully functional quantum computer. Professor Andrea Morello from the University of New South Wales expressed enthusiasm about AWS's progress, noting his team's success in developing cat qubits with atoms earlier this year. These cat qubits are expected to measure between 100-500 nanometres, offering a significant size advantage over Amazon's 1-centimetre chip when scaling up production.
“We really now have a way of combating the major hurdle to a practical quantum computer, which is the errors" – Oskar Painter, AWS Head of Quantum Hardware.
The potential of cat qubits to improve rapidly is notable, though they present considerable engineering challenges. Despite these hurdles, AWS Head of Quantum Hardware, Oskar Painter, remains optimistic about the future advancements in cat qubit architecture. The chip's innovative design could overcome the "eye-watering" overheads traditionally associated with making quantum error-correction codes function effectively.
“That's nice in principle, but once you get out and try and do it, it's extremely hard because the overheads to make those codes actually work properly are really eye-watering" – Andrea Morello, a quantum physicist at the University of New South Wales.
At present, Google leads the field in cat qubit technology with their chip unveiled last year. Nevertheless, Amazon's Ocelot stands as a promising contender in the race towards developing a super-powerful quantum computer. Quantum computers promise unparalleled computational power compared to traditional machines, yet they remain in their nascent stages with numerous scaling challenges ahead.
“You suppress one of them very strongly at the price of making the other one a little bit worse" – Andrea Morello, a quantum physicist at the University of New South Wales.
“For me to realise this will take several more years and a lot of blood, sweat and tears” – Andrea Morello, a quantum physicist at the University of New South Wales.
Quantum physicist Andrea Morello acknowledges the daunting task ahead but also highlights the potential for rapid improvements in cat qubit architecture. As AWS continues to refine its technology, the company aims to address these engineering challenges and advance quantum computing closer to practical application.
“There's reasons to believe that the cat qubit architecture might improve even faster" – Oskar Painter, AWS Head of Quantum Hardware.
“They're more of an engineering challenge, but they're also not trivial" – Oskar Painter, AWS Head of Quantum Hardware.
