Quantum Computers

Quantum Computer Particle Zoo
Researchers simulated the creation of elementary particle pairs out of the vacuum by using a quantum computer. (Image credit: IQOQI/Harald Ritsch)

Unlike traditional computers that rely on bits of information that can be in one of two states (1 or 0), quantum computers manipulate qubits, or units of information tucked inside subatomic particles. That means, they follow the wacky laws of quantum mechanics and so can be in two states at once. This ability allows quantum computers to theoretically store exponentially more information than your everyday laptop. Live Science is here to dissect the latest achievements and discoveries in this bizarre quantum world of computing.

Latest about quantum computers

3d rendered illustration of atoms with blue and red lines.

Quantum simulation breakthrough will lead to 'discoveries impossible in today's fastest supercomputers,' Google scientists claim

By Keumars Afifi-Sabet published

By combining digital and analog quantum simulation into a new hybrid approach, scientists have already started to make fresh scientific discoveries using quantum computers.

Computing
Someone holding the small, square quantum refrigerator in their hands.

Coldest-ever qubits could lead to faster quantum computers

By Owen Hughes published

Scientists have cooled qubits to record low temperatures using a quantum refrigerator powered by "hot thermal baths."

Computing
an image of a quantum computer

What is quantum supremacy?

By Edd Gent published

We may be on the cusp of quantum supremacy. But what does that actually mean?

Computing
Abstract concept of string theory.

'There's no real competitor': Theoretical physicist Marika Taylor on how black holes could help us to find a theory of everything

By Ben Turner published

String theory remains our best candidate for a theory of everything, but where can it be tested? By studying black holes, says Marika Taylor.

Cosmology
Blade server equipment rack in big data center neon cold blue tone in motion.

'Quantum hard drives' closer to reality after scientists resolve 10-year-old problem

By Owen Hughes published

Scientists in Australia say they've cracked a key hurdle facing the the development of scalable quantum computers and practical quantum data storage.

Computing
A computer processor with millions of connections and signals

Monster 4,400-qubit quantum processor is '25,000 times faster' than its predecessor

By Owen Hughes published

D-Wave says its new Advantage2 processor, which is designed for complex applications in AI, optimization and data science, is faster and more accurate than its existing 5,000-qubit system.

Computing
Quantum Heron processor.

IBM's newest 156-qubit quantum chip can run 50 times faster than its predecessor — equipping it for scientific research

By Keumars Afifi-Sabet published

When combined with Qiskit software tools, the 156-qubit R2 Heron quantum processor can perform 5,000 two-qubit gate operations — double the previous best — meaning it's ready for complex quantum computations, IBM scientists say.

Computing
3D illustration of a working quantum computer. Quantum computing concept.

Why do we need quantum computers and what will they be used for?

By Edd Gent published

Quantum computers will one day outpace the fastest supercomputers on the planet, but what will they be used to accomplish?

Computing
Hacking abstract firewall, antivirus. Hacked lock against the background of an abstract futuristic electronic board with binary code

Chinese scientists claim they broke RSA encryption with a quantum computer — but there's a catch

By Peter Ray Allison published

Researchers claim to have broken RSA encryption using a quantum computer, but what really happened?

Computing
A close-up image of a quantum computer

History of quantum computing: 12 key moments that shaped the future of computers

By Edd Gent published

Although quantum computing is a nascent field, there are plenty of key moments that defined it over the last few decades as scientists strive to create machines that can solve impossible problems.

Computing
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