Microsoft has introduced a new processor, Majorana 1, which will make a significant leap in quantum computing using topological qubits. The company emphasizes that this technology has the potential to solve industrial problems. Microsoft, the software giant, announced that the 17-year-old project Majorana 1 has shown real results. The processor has the potential to fit one million qubits into a single chip, which is not much larger than CPUs in desktop computers.

What is a Qubit? Qubit is the fundamental unit of information used in quantum computing. Unlike bits used in classical computers, qubits can represent both 0 and 1 states simultaneously. This feature allows quantum computers to perform much faster and complex calculations compared to traditional computers. The simultaneous states of qubits occur through principles of quantum mechanics such as entanglement and superposition. Quantum computers can process multiple states simultaneously and execute calculations in parallel.

New Technology Without Electrons Software giant, Microsoft uses “Majorana particles” instead of electrons to perform computations in this new chip. Microsoft not only observed Majorana particles but also managed to control them using a new material named “world’s first topological superconductor.” The company highlighted in a peer-reviewed article in Nature Journal that they developed topological qubits from a new material made of indium, arsenic, and aluminum. According to the article, by using this material, they placed eight topological qubits in a chip that is believed to be scalable to a million.

Experts suggest that a single chip with a million qubits can perform much more natural simulations and can lead to revolutionary breakthroughs in medicine and materials science. Chetan Nayak, Microsoft Technical Expert involved in the project, shared his excitement about Majorana 1, stating, “A one million qubit quantum computer is not just a milestone, but a gateway to solving some of the world’s toughest problems.” Nayak emphasized that the paths to reliable quantum computing are open, the fundamental technologies are proven, and the scalability of the architecture is believed to be achievable.

It is anticipated that it will take “decades” to build a prototype of error-tolerant quantum computer based on topological qubits.