Harvard Scientists Develop the First Logical Quantum Processor with 48 Qubits

A team of researchers from Harvard University, led by Professor Mikhail Lukin, has achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by developing a logical quantum processor based on 48 logical qubits. This discovery marks an important step toward creating efficient and reliable quantum computers capable of running complex algorithms with minimal errors.

What Are Quantum Computers and Logical Qubits?

Quantum computing is a cutting-edge field where information is encoded not in traditional bits, but in qubits. Qubits leverage the principles of quantum mechanics, allowing them to exist in both 0 and 1 states simultaneously, unlike classical bits that can only be 0 or 1.

However, quantum systems face a major challenge: qubits are extremely unstable and prone to losing their quantum state. The solution to this problem is the creation of logical qubits—more stable and correctable units of information that combine several physical qubits.

Key Features of the New Harvard Processor

The new Harvard processor not only stores information but can also perform hundreds of operations with logical qubits. This is a crucial achievement in building quantum computers that can operate continuously, even in the presence of errors.

This breakthrough is the result of years of research in quantum technologies and the development of a quantum computing architecture known as a neutral atom array. At the core of the system is a block of ultracold rubidium atoms, which can move and pair up to form so-called gates—the fundamental units of computational power in a quantum computer.

Collaboration and Future Plans

The research, published in the journal Nature, was conducted in collaboration with colleagues from MIT and the company QuEra Computing. The team plans to continue working on demonstrating new types of operations on the 48 logical qubits and improving the system’s continuous operation.

Professor Lukin believes that their achievement is comparable to the early stages of artificial intelligence development, and that this is just the beginning of a new era in quantum computing, promising enormous potential for scientific and social progress.