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Is Google's approach to error-free quantum computers already outdated?

The coding that forms the basis of Google’s recent breakthrough in error-correcting quantum computers is facing fierce competition

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

26 December 2024

Google’s Willow quantum chip

Google

Many researchers believe that the only way to build unambiguously useful quantum computers is to enable them to correct their own errors. A breakthrough in December from researchers at Google Quantum AI charted one path towards making this a practical reality. Their approach, however, may already be in danger of becoming outdated.

A big factor preventing quantum computers from living up to their promise – solving seemingly intractable problems in materials science, chemistry, logistics and many other fields – is that they constantly make errors.…

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