Microsoft says it created a new state of matter

Microsoft says it has created a fourth state of matter to make a quantum computer.

The company unveiled its Majorana 1 chip, which it claims brings the technology closer to reality in “years, not decades.”

Majorana is a topological qubit, a type of quantum bit that could make quantum computers more stable and reliable. It is based on a new phase of physical existence, which is neither a liquid or solid nor a gas.

Qubits are the building blocks of quantum computing and aid in solving complex problems faster.  The more qubits in a chip, the faster it is, but adding too many also increases error rates.

Qubits are the building blocks of quantum computing and aid in solving complex problems faster. The more qubits in a chip, the faster it is, but adding too many increases error rates.

Microsoft is using Majorana fermions, a subatomic particle theorized in the 1930s. This approach could lead to fewer errors and a more stable quantum system.

Why it matters?
Quantum computers promise to revolutionize fields like medicine, materials science and AI by solving problems that would take classical computers millions of years to crack.

They also pose a cybersecurity risk since they could break today’s encryption methods with ease.

Majorana 1 puts Microsoft in direct competition with Google and IBM, who have also been bullish on a quantum-powered future.

In December, Google announced its Willow 105-qubit quantum chip that the company says can solve a test problem in five minutes, which would take a supercomputer 10 septillion years, longer than the universe’s age.

Notably, AI chip manufacturing giant Nvidia CEO recently said that useful quantum computing is 20 years away. Microsoft insists it’s just around the corner.