An accessible intro to quantum computing

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IBM outlined its roadmap for its quantum computing development that includes a 1,121-qubit device for release in 2023 as well as components and cooling systems.

Big Blue released images of a 6-foot wide and 12-foot high cooling system being built to house a 1,121-qubit processor called IBM Quantum Condor.

According to IBM, the goal is to build a million-qubit quantum system. The company views the 1,000-qubit mark as a tipping point to overcome the hurdles limiting the commercialization of quantum systems. Is the world ready for cross-platform quantum programming?

For IBM, the quantum roadmap is critical since competition in the still nascent market is heating up. Honeywell recently outlined its quantum systems and there are a bevy of players including Google, IBM and its System Q, Microsoft, Intel, AWS and others chasing commercialization in some form.

Also:

• How will quantum computing impact your industry?
• IBM hits new quantum computing milestone
• IBM and University of Tokyo team up for Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium
• Honeywell claims to have world's highest performing quantum computer according to IBM's benchmark

In a blog post, Jay Gambetta, vice president of IBM Quantum, said the company's roadmap is part of a larger mission "to design a full-stack quantum computer deployed via the cloud that anyone around the world can program."

Indeed, cloud computing is the way most quantum resources will be consumed given the size and refrigeration required. The road to 1,000-qubits will include the following:

• IBM will debut its 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle processor next year.
• Quantum Eagle will include upgrades such as through-silicon vias and multi-level wiring. The quantum processor will also be able to reduce crosstalk errors.
• In 2022, IBM plans to release a 433-qubit IBM Quantum Osprey system, which will be more efficient and be able to scale with better cryogenic infrastructure and controls. 

More:

• What is the quantum internet? Everything you need to know about the weird future of quantum networks
• IBM and University of Tokyo team up for Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium
• NEC to create hybrid quantum systems alongside D-Wave
• Quantum entanglement breakthrough could boost encryption, secure communications
• Forget quantum supremacy: This quantum-computing milestone could be just as important
• Quantum computing: New tool makes sure the qubits don't lie