Microsoft has unveiled a new quantum chip called "Majorana 1" that claims will make scaled, real-world quantum computing a reality in just years rather than decades. It's palm-sized and has a delightfully retro look yet Microsoft claims it will eventually pack more theoretical computing power than all the world's current classical computers combined.The Majorana 1 comes after nearly two decades of research. The big claims come thanks to Microsoft's unique approach to the quantum problem. Scientists at the company have engineered a first-of-its-kind "topo-conductor" material that they say exploits an exotic "topological" state of matter, bridging the gap between quantum physics and practical engineering.
Microsoft adds that this topological state enables smaller, faster, and more stable quantum bits (qubits). In fact, the company is so confident in the technology that it claims topo-conductors and the new type of chip they enable provide a clear roadmap to scaling up to over one million qubits on a single chip – a key threshold for quantum supremacy over classical computers for real-world applications.
