Microsoft announced the Majorana 1, its first quantum computing chip, after nearly two decades of research in the field. Quantum computers, which can efficiently solve complex problems that regular computers struggle with, use qubits that can exist in both on and off states simultaneously. Other companies, such as Google, IBM, IonQ, and Rigetti Computing, have also developed quantum processors.
The Majorana 1 chip by Microsoft employs eight topological qubits and uses indium arsenide and aluminum as materials. Microsoft plans to eventually reach a million qubits on a chip, but for now, the focus is on achieving a few hundred qubits before commercial use. The company is manufacturing the components in the US by itself, rather than relying on other companies for fabrication.
Investors are excited about the potential of quantum computing, with shares in IonQ and Rigetti increasing significantly. Microsoft’s Azure Quantum cloud service allows developers to experiment with quantum programs and algorithms using chips from other companies. Microsoft’s AI business could also benefit from quantum computing, as quantum computers could be used to generate data for training AI models.
While Microsoft is not currently offering the Majorana 1 chip to clients through Azure, there is speculation that it could become available before 2030. The company is engaging with national laboratories and universities for further research on quantum computing. Overall, Microsoft believes that quantum computing is not decades away, but rather just years before it becomes more widely accessible.
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