Google's quantum breakthrough: Willow computer challenges global security
The quantum computer called Willow is located at Google's research centre in Santa Barbara, California. The device looks like a suspended structure made of round discs connected by hundreds of cables, which are immersed in a tank of liquid helium. It is there that one of the lowest temperatures in the known Universe is maintained - about a thousandth of a degree above absolute zero. This was reported by BBC.
According to Hartmut Neven, Head of Google Quantum AI, Willow is a technological breakthrough. In particular, it demonstrated that quantum computers are able to perform tasks that are fundamentally inaccessible to classical systems. One of the tests, as noted, was solved by Willow in a few minutes, while the most powerful traditional computer would have taken about 10 septillion years - much more than the age of the Universe
The new quantum chip has 105 qubits, the basic elements of quantum computing. By comparison, some competitors are at the level of units or tens of qubits. The key achievement of Willow was the demonstration of effective error correction, which is considered a prerequisite for creating large-scale and reliable quantum machines
Experts believe that this technology opens the way to the practical application of quantum computers in quantum chemistry, drug development, energy, logistics, and modelling of complex molecular structures. Some scientists also suggest that full-fledged artificial intelligence in the future is possible only with the use of quantum computing
Experts emphasise that quantum computers pose a serious security challenge. In the long run, they can crack most modern cryptographic systems, from state secrets to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The industry is already discussing the "collect now, decrypt later" scenario, when encrypted data is stored in anticipation of future quantum capabilities
Special attention is paid to global competition. Experts estimate that China has invested about $15 billion in quantum technologies - more than all other government programmes combined. Beijing has concentrated research in government agencies and is actively developing quantum communications and satellite systems. At the same time, the United Kingdom and the United States are trying not to lose technological leadership, considering quantum developments as a key factor in economic and geopolitical advantage
According to experts, the first quarter of the 21st century was marked by the Internet and artificial intelligence, and the next decades may be the beginning of a full-fledged quantum era, the consequences of which will determine the balance of power in the world
Photo: BBC.
