Denmark seeks to host the world's mightiest quantum computing system
The joint venture between Microsoft and Atom Computing, named 'Magne', is developing a groundbreaking 50-logical qubit quantum computer. Inspired by Norse mythology, Magne is set to deliver significant advancements in drug discovery and materials science due to its reliable and scalable quantum processing capabilities.
Potential Applications -----------------------
In the field of drug discovery, the 50-logical qubit machine's ability to achieve 'true quantum advantage' means it can perform molecular simulations and calculations that classical computers cannot efficiently handle. This includes modeling complex biomolecules, protein folding, and drug-target interactions at quantum levels of accuracy, potentially accelerating the identification of new pharmaceutical compounds and therapies.
Similarly, in materials science, the system can begin to tackle advanced chemistry problems useful for designing new materials with desired properties—such as better catalysts, superconductors, or more efficient energy storage materials. These quantum simulations allow researchers to understand and predict the behavior of matter at atomic and molecular scales precisely, which can lead to breakthroughs in energy, electronics, and nanotechnology sectors.
Why 50 Logical Qubits Matter -----------------------------
Logical qubits are virtual qubits constructed from many physical qubits with sophisticated error correction that ensures reliable quantum computations. Reaching 50 logical qubits marks the threshold where quantum computers start delivering results unachievable by classical counterparts, referred to as 'quantum advantage'. This level enables running scientific problems that were previously impossible to simulate with classical systems, especially in fields requiring handling a "near-infinite sea" of molecular combinations and quantum states.
Broader Impact ---------------
Magne will be the first commercial quantum computer of its kind at Level 2 quantum computing, characterized by error-corrected logical qubits enabling reliable operations beyond the simpler, error-prone NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) devices. Beyond drug discovery and materials science, such quantum computers hold promise for use in chemistry, cryptography, logistics, and optimization problems that benefit from massive parallelism and quantum superposition.
Construction of Magne will begin in autumn, and it is expected to start operating with 50 logical qubits. The quantum computer is expected to be ready by the end of next year, with the aim of increasing the number of logical qubits to unlock its full potential. According to Zander, when the quantum computer reaches 1000 logical qubits, it can solve everything.
Microsoft will provide software for the quantum computer, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Denmark's Export and Investment Fund (EIFO) are investing 80 million euros ($92.93 million) in the quantum computing initiative called QuNorth. The quantum computer, Magne, is being developed in collaboration with Microsoft and Atom Computing, with Atom Computing building the quantum computer. The initiative, QuNorth, aims to develop the world's most powerful quantum computer.
[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-021-01213-1 [2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03836-4 [3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03837-3 [4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03838-1
Visualizing the potential applications of Magne's quantum processing capabilities, the 50-logical qubit machine promises to drive significant advancements in drug discovery by performing molecular simulations that classical computers cannot efficiently handle. Additionally, in the domain of materials science, this system holds potential for designing new materials with improved properties through quantum simulations that reveal precise atomic and molecular behavior.
