Has Microsoft Discovered A New State Of Matter That Could Revolutionise Quantum Computing?

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Last Updated:February 25, 2025, 19:43 IST

Microsoft claims to have created a new state of matter, potentially revolutionising quantum computing and accelerating drug discovery, climate simulations, and unhackable networks

Microsoft asserts that it has engineered a new state of matter in its pursuit of developing a quantum computer. (Representative/News18)

Microsoft claims to have created a new state of matter with the potential to significantly enhance quantum computers. This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications, from accelerating drug discoveries and enabling complex climate simulations to developing unhackable networks.

It is widely understood that matter exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Microsoft asserts that it has engineered a new state of matter in its pursuit of developing a quantum computer, a device with immense processing power. Quantum computers have the potential to accelerate advancements in various fields, including battery technology, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence.

Microsoft scientists report the creation of a “topological qubit" based on a newly discovered phase of matter. This breakthrough, they claim, has the potential to revolutionise problem-solving in mathematics, science, and technology. With this development, Microsoft aims to transcend the current artificial intelligence competition and usher in the next significant technological advancement.

Topological qubits are a revolutionary concept in quantum computing that promises greater stability and fewer errors compared to traditional qubits. Information in topological qubits is encoded not in the fragile properties of individual atoms or particles, but in the ‘topology’ of the material. Topology, which describes the arrangement and connectivity of a material at a microscopic level, goes beyond the realm of molecules and atoms. This approach relies on ‘Majorana particles’, subatomic particles that hold the key to this unique form of quantum information storage.

The movement gained momentum in December when Google unveiled an experimental quantum computer. This computer performed a calculation in just five minutes, a feat unattainable by conventional supercomputers even in 10 septillion years – a period exceeding the age of the known universe. Notably, Microsoft’s quantum technology exhibits the potential to surpass the methods currently being developed by Google.

As part of its research, the company built numerous topological qubits. These were housed within a novel computer chip that merges the strengths of conventional semiconductors with superconductors, typically used in quantum computing.

When cooled to very low temperatures, such a chip exhibits powerful capabilities. Microsoft believes these capabilities will help solve technical, mathematical, and scientific problems that classical computers could never solve.

Some people doubt whether Microsoft has reached this milestone. Many leading academics say fully realised quantum computers are still decades away, but Microsoft scientists believe their methods will accelerate progress. “We see this as something that is not decades away, but years away," they said. Microsoft’s technology was described in detail in a research paper published recently in the science magazine Nature.

What Is Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is a new technology with the potential to revolutionise computing. Based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which govern the behaviour of atoms and subatomic particles, quantum computers can perform significantly faster and more complex calculations than conventional computers.

Quantum bits (qubits): Conventional computers utilise bits, which can represent either 0 or 1. In contrast, quantum computers employ qubits, which can exist in a state of both 0 and 1 simultaneously, a phenomenon known as superposition.

Quantum entanglement: Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in which two or more qubits are connected in a way that means the state of one qubit affects the state of the other(s), regardless of the distance between them.

Quantum algorithms: Quantum computers employ specialised algorithms, enabling them to solve specific problems at significantly faster rates compared to classical computers.

Which Countries Are Ahead In Quantum Research

Quantum computing is an emerging technology. Many countries and organisations around the world are investing substantial funding into research in this field.

United States: America is a leader in the field of quantum computing. – Companies such as Google, IBM, and Microsoft are developing quantum computers. – The US government has made significant investments in quantum research.

Europe: The European Union has launched the Quantum Technology Flagship Programme to promote research and development in quantum computing. – Many European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, are actively engaged in quantum research.

China: China has made significant progress in quantum computing. – The Chinese government has invested heavily in quantum research. – Chinese scientists have made many significant achievements in quantum communication and quantum computing.

India: The Government of India has also made a provision of Rs 8,000 crore in the budget for the development of quantum computing. – The Government of India has launched the quantum simulator QSim.