Rather than stacking qubits (the quantum equivalent of conventional bits), Amazon relies on a new approach that could make quantum calculations more reliable, with fewer resources.
Why is quantum IT so complicated?
To fully understand the issue, we must return to a fundamental problem of quantum computers: they are extremely sensitive to external disturbances. A simple temperature change, a tiny vibration, and paf, the qubits lose their information. To counter this little concern, you must use additional qubits dedicated to the correction of errors, which enormously complicates the design of these futuristic machines.
This is where Ocelot comes in. This processor is based on a technology called “cat qubits” (“cat qubits” in English), in reference to the famous paradox of Schrödinger’s cat, which can be both dead and alive. Unlike conventional qubits that operate in binary mode (0 or 1), these analog qubits are more flexible and make it possible to store information in the form of electromagnetic waves.
Amazon is not alone in the race. Last December, Google presented its own quantum processor, Willow, based on superconductive materials. Microsoft followed in February with Majorana 1, which is based on exotic particles combining material and antimatter. Each company is looking for the best way to stabilize qubits to get a functional quantum computer.
The great advantage of Ocelot, according to AWS researchers, is that it drastically reduces the number of qubits necessary for the correction of errors. Where classic architecture would need 49 qubits, Ocelot is satisfied with five data qubs and four auxiliary qubits. “” The history of computer science shows that the key is not to add more components, but to choose the right ones “Explains Amazon in his blog.
For the moment, Ocelot is a prototype and cannot yet carry out real logical operations. But Amazon sees it as a solid base to develop a quantum computer capable of solving problems that are impossible to deal with traditional computers.
The company claims that this approach could reduce the resources necessary for the correction of errors by 90 %, which would considerably accelerate the development of a real quantum computer. If this technology keeps its promises, it could upset areas like chemistry, finance and artificial intelligence.
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