Quantum computing is poised to make a leap forward as Microsoft and Atom Computing announced the launch of a commercial quantum computer in 2025. At the Microsoft Ignite 2024 conference, the two companies revealed that they successfully entangled 24 logical qubits—marking the highest number of entangled logical qubits recorded to date. These breakthroughs are critical steps toward creating fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of outperforming classical systems.
Using neutral atoms held in place by lasers, Microsoft and Atom Computing developed a system that can entangle logical qubits, which are essential for executing quantum algorithms. Logical qubits are composed of multiple physical qubits, and their stability is a significant challenge in quantum computing. The companies not only achieved 24 logical qubits but also implemented an innovative loss correction system to detect and address the disappearance of neutral atoms—a common issue in such systems.
Krysta Svore, Microsoft’s vice president of advanced quantum development for Azure Quantum, explained, “We’ve shown the ability to compute with these logical qubits and demonstrated repeated loss correction for the first time. This positions us ahead of classical performance for algorithms like the Bernstein-Vazirani.”
The Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm, a classic quantum algorithm, highlights the power of quantum superposition and interference, enabling quantum systems to solve problems with unmatched efficiency compared to classical computers.
The two companies plan to offer a commercial quantum system with over 1,000 physical qubits next year. While the current hardware supports up to 256 qubits, the 2025 system will bring unprecedented capabilities to industries such as chemistry and materials science.
The collaboration between Microsoft’s Azure Quantum and Atom Computing combines Microsoft’s qubit virtualization system with Atom Computing’s expertise in neutral-atom technology. The virtualization system is key to optimizing quantum error correction for specific processors and enables reliable computation despite challenges like atom loss.
Neutral-atom quantum computers are known for their scalability but face unique challenges, such as atom disappearance and quantum noise. Svore emphasized how the virtualization system compensates for these issues by detecting missing atoms and correcting errors without interrupting computations. This marks the first time loss correction has been demonstrated in this type of quantum system.
Ben Bloom, founder and CEO of Atom Computing, highlighted the system’s potential impact: “By coupling our state-of-the-art neutral-atom qubits with Microsoft’s qubit virtualization system, we are now able to offer reliable logical qubits on a commercial quantum machine. This system will enable rapid progress in multiple fields, including chemistry and materials science.”
The quantum computer promises significant advancements in scientific fields where complex simulations and calculations are essential. By offering a reliable platform with logical qubits, Microsoft and Atom Computing aim to establish a new standard for quantum computing.
As quantum computing transitions from experimental to commercial viability, this partnership represents a major step toward making quantum technology accessible to enterprises and researchers worldwide.
