Google claims quantum leap with new Willow chip

Commercial apps are getting closer

At the same time, the researchers made further progress: They were able to improve the quality of their qubit arrays, as these now have a significantly longer lifespan than the individual physical qubits. In other words, calculations can take longer.

For Neven, this has resulted in the most convincing prototype for a scalable logical qubit to date. He sees this as a sign that useful, very large quantum computers can actually be built. Willow thus brings the implementation of practical, commercially relevant algorithms that cannot be replicated on conventional computers, Neven claims.

Earlier this year, Microsoft reported a quantum breakthrough with a qubit-virtualization system that it claimed broke a logical-qubit creation record. The company also aims to provide a commercial offering.