Chinese scientists have unveiled Zuchongzhi-3, a superconducting quantum computer prototype with 105 qubits and 182 couplers, claiming it performs quantum random circuit sampling (RCS) tasks at speeds quadrillion times faster than the world’s fastest supercomputer and 1 million times faster than Google’s Sycamore. This advance, based on optimized fabrication and wiring, represents a significant leap in quantum computing capabilities. Zuchongzhi-3 surpasses Google’s 2019 benchmark and aims to pave the way for a fault-tolerant quantum computer, potentially transforming areas like national security, AI, and pharmaceutical production, according to researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China.
Chinese scientists have introduced Zuchongzhi-3, a superconducting quantum computer prototype featuring 105 readable qubits and 182 couplers. They assert that it carries out quantum random circuit sampling (RCS) tasks at a speed that is quadrillion times quicker than the world’s most powerful supercomputer and 1 million times faster than Google’s Sycamore, as detailed in a study published in Physical Review Letters.
Quantum computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics, a field of physics that explores the unusual behaviors of particles on a subatomic scale. Recently, RCS has emerged as the benchmark for evaluating and comparing quantum computers. Research teams from Google and China have been vying to develop the most advanced quantum computer in existence.
“We have successfully performed a larger scale random circuit sampling than what has been accomplished by Google, thereby enhancing the disparity in computational abilities between classical and quantum computing,” the researchers stated in the paper.
According to the researchers, their significant progress was achieved through the optimization of the processor’s fabrication and wiring layout.
“Our research not only pushes the boundaries of quantum computing but also establishes a foundation for a new era where quantum processors will be vital in addressing complex real-world problems,” they noted.
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It’s worth mentioning that Google’s Sycamore processor set a record in 2019 by completing an RCS task in 200 seconds, a task that would take around 10,000 years to simulate on the fastest supercomputer available.
In contrast, Zuchongzhi-3, created by a team at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), has been shown to exceed the latest results from Google published in October 2024 by six orders of magnitude.
“This machine has achieved remarkable advancements in readout and control precision for quantum computing,” stated Zhu Xiaobo, a professor at USTC.
Mr. Zhu articulated that the project’s long-term goal is to reduce error rates, which could facilitate the development of a “fault-tolerant general quantum computer that has the potential to revolutionize the entire landscape of information processing.”
“It will also significantly influence national security, encompassing fields like artificial intelligence, biology, and pharmaceutical manufacturing,” he added.