Researchers at TU Darmstadt have achieved a major milestone in quantum computing by developing a quantum processor that contains over 1,000 atomic qubits. This advancement is crucial for scaling up quantum systems, as larger systems can unlock the significant benefits of quantum computing. The innovative approach combines quantum-optical techniques with advanced micro-optical technology, allowing for the so-called “quantum bit supercharging,” which addresses limitations related to laser performance. Their experiments successfully loaded 1,305 individual atomic qubits in a setup of 3,000 trap sites and structured them into defect-free arrays with up to 441 qubits. This breakthrough makes it possible to envision increasing the qubit count to 10,000 and beyond within the next few years. The research team, led by Professor Gerhard Birkl, emphasizes that reaching the threshold of 1,000 qubits is a pivotal step that could demonstrate the efficiency benefits of quantum computers across various applications, such as drug development and traffic optimization. The findings were first shared on the arXiv preprint server and later published in the journal Optica, highlighting TU Darmstadt’s significant contribution to the field.
