Google has taken a big step forward in the world of quantum computing with the introduction of its new Willow quantum chip. The tech company claims that Willow can solve problems in just five minutes – tasks that would take a conventional computer more than ten septillion years to complete. To put this in perspective, this time frame is much longer than the age of our universe. But what exactly is quantum computing, the Willow quantum chip, and what will it be used for? We will try to answer some of these questions in a simple way.

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing is an advanced type of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. Unlike classical computers, which use bits as the smallest unit of data (either 0 or 1), quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits. Qubits can exist in states 0, 1, or both at the same time due to a property called superposition. This enables quantum computers to process huge amounts of data simultaneously. The more qubits a quantum computer has, the more useful and faster it will be.

Now, let us understand quantum computing with a simple example.

Imagine a parking lot with 100 spaces. A classic car (like a regular computer) has to check each location one by one to see which one is available. This may take some time because it is trying each location individually, just like a regular computer checks one solution at a time.

Now, imagine a quantum car. This car is special because it can check all 100 locations at the same time. It doesn’t need to go through one by one – it knows immediately which spaces are free. It’s like a quantum computer that uses superposition to see multiple possibilities simultaneously.

What is Google claiming about the Wilo Quantum chip?

Google has positioned its Willow quantum chip as a major breakthrough towards large-scale quantum computing. According to the company, the chip has 105 qubits and improves connectivity between qubits, which is necessary to perform more complex calculations efficiently. It also reduces the error rate, which the company says remains a major challenge for many in quantum computing.

Google demonstrated the power of Willow by completing a computational task in less than five minutes, a feat it claims would take the world’s most advanced supercomputer an unfathomable 10 septillion years.

“The more qubits we use in Willow, the more we reduce errors, and the more quantum the system becomes. We scaled from a grid of 3×3 encoded qubits to a grid of 5×5, allowing more physical qubits than ever before.” Also tested larger arrays, a grid of 7×7 – and each time, using our latest advances in quantum error correction, we were able to halve the error rate – a historic achievement well below the limit in the field. Google said, reducing errors while increasing the number of qubits.

What can be the use of quantum computer?

It is being told that quantum computers can change areas like drug discovery, artificial intelligence and cryptography. The ability to solve complex problems faster can lead to the development of new drugs, optimization of logistics, and more.

However, there are also concerns. For example, quantum computers could theoretically crack the encryption systems that protect sensitive information today. Tech companies like Apple are already working on “quantum-proof” encryption methods to protect data against future quantum threats.

The National Quantum Computing Center (NQCC) in the UK told the BBC about some of its potential practical uses. These could be optimizing cargo delivery or efficiently routing telecommunications signals.

When will Google’s Willow quantum chip be commercially available?

While Willow is a big step forward, it may still take some time for quantum computing to become part of everyday business operations. Hartmut Neven, who leads Google’s Quantum AI Lab, told the BBC that the Willow chip could soon be applied to some practical applications. However, he did not specify any timeline for its widespread commercial availability. According to Neven, a quantum chip capable of widespread commercial use may not arrive before the end of the decade.