Microsoft (MS) unveiled its next-generation Quantum Computing artificial intelligence (AI) chip, "Majorana 2." MS plans to roll out a commercially viable quantum computer by 2029 based on this.
On the 2nd (local time), at its annual developer conference Build held at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, MS unveiled the Quantum Computing chip "Majorana 2," which has raised the average Qubit lifetime to around 20 seconds compared with the prior product. It is the successor to last year's quantum chip "Majorana 1."
Majorana 2 is distinguished by its use of different materials from conventional quantum chips. While rival IBM uses aluminum-based superconducting wiring, MS used lead. MS said it applied new materials with the help of its in-house AI science tools, resulting in Majorana 2's stability improving 1,000-fold over the prior generation.
An MS official said, "The reason chips have not been made with lead until now is that a special process was required to implement it," adding, "The greatest technical challenge was finding a way to apply lead, which dissolves in water, in the chip manufacturing process without loss and with stability, and we have found that method."
The company said it will realize a scalable quantum computer in three years, the same target timeline as rival IBM. IBM said last month it would invest $10 billion in its quantum computing business and then spun off its quantum chip development company.
However, major foreign media including Reuters and the BBC reported that MS is not disclosing detailed technical specifications of the new quantum chip, citing trade secrets, making it impossible for outsiders to verify the company's claims.