Syracuse Sun

The unveiling of Google's new quantum computing chip, Willow, has generated interest for its performance and potential impact on the commercial viability of quantum computing. Alex K. Jones, chair of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at Syracuse University, provided his perspective on this development.

Jones noted that "the biggest challenge around superconducting quantum systems has been noise," which affects the size of problems that can be computed. He explained that while error correction algorithms like the surface code are popular solutions to this issue, they can also introduce additional problems. The Google team has published a result in Nature demonstrating their ability to reduce errors using surface code error correction, a significant achievement in making scalable quantum computers more practical.

Jones highlighted that although Google's Willow chip does not significantly advance superconducting hardware compared to other systems, it finds a "sweet spot" for parameters allowing effective error correction. This development is seen as an important step towards practical and scalable quantum computing.

Discussing real-world applications, Jones mentioned that "quantum computing has the potential to solve certain classes of problems much more efficiently than classical computing." Examples include prime factorization with implications for cryptography and simulating large physical systems with applications in chemistry and material science. However, he cautioned that while there is hope for improvements in artificial intelligence through quantum computing, this remains uncertain.

Regarding commercial viability, Jones stated that useful error correction is crucial for advancing problem scale but emphasized it is just one step among many required. He noted Google's intention to explore other error correction algorithms beyond surface codes to enhance fidelity improvements.

Jones concluded by expressing optimism about the technology's future: "If the past is prologue, then the advancements in classical computing technologies warrant excitement for commercial quantum computing."

For further information or interviews:

Chris Munoz

Media Relations Specialist

Division of Communications

cjmunoz@syr.edu