Google's Quantum Leap: Verifiable 'Quantum Advantage' and its Implications
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology (Quantum Technology, Quantum Computing, Qubits, Quantum Advantage, Supercomputers).
Mains: General Studies Paper 3 (S&T): "Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life"; "Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology"; "Achievements of Indians in science & technology" (context for India's National Quantum Mission).
Key Highlights from the News
Researchers claimed that Google's new quantum processor, Willow, achieved "verifiable quantum advantage".
Willow solved a specific type of complex problem much faster compared to classical supercomputers.
A new quantum algorithm called Decoded Quantum Interferometry (DQI) was used to solve an optimization problem.
In another experiment, they were also able to measure how information gets "scrambled" within a quantum system.
The Willow processor completed a task in 2 hours that would take the world's second-fastest supercomputer 3 years.
This finding is an important proof that quantum computers can perform tasks impossible for classical computers.
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