Azure Quantum - Solving for a better future

To fully define quantum computing, we need to understand some key terms first.

What is quantum?

The quantum in "quantum computing" refers to the quantum mechanical phenomena that a system uses to calculate outputs. In physics, a quantum is the smallest possible discrete unit of any physical property. This refers to properties of atomic or subatomic particles, such as electrons, neutrinos, and photons.

What is a qubit?

A qubit is the basic unit of information in quantum computing. Qubits play a analogous role in quantum computing as bits play in classical computing, but they behave very differently. Classical bits are binary and can hold only a position of 0 or 1, but qubits can hold a superposition of all possible states.

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computers harness the unique phenomena of quantum physics—such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum interference—and apply it to computing. This introduces new concepts and expands traditional programming methods.

How does quantum computing work?

A quantum computer has three primary parts:

• An area that houses the qubits
• A method for transferring signals to the qubits
• A classical computer to run a program and send instructions

For some methods of qubit storage, the unit that houses the qubits is kept at a temperature just above absolute zero to maximize their coherence and reduce interference. Other types of qubit housing use a vacuum chamber to help minimize vibrations and stabilize the qubits. Signals can be sent to the qubits using a variety of methods, including microwaves, laser, and voltage.

Quantum computer uses and application areas

A quantum computer can't do everything faster than a classical computer, but there are a few areas where quantum computers have the potential to make a big impact. High impact applications include:

• Quantum simulation
• Cryptography
• Optimization
• Quantum Machine Learning
• Search

Solving for a better future

Azure Quantum takes a comprehensive approach to delivering all the technology needed to enable commercial impact by innovating in parallel at all layers of the computing stack, including controls, software, and development tools and services - towards realizing the full promise of quantum to solve some of society's largest, most complex challenges. Now, Microsoft has all the building blocks of a topological qubit—a new and unique qubit that will be faster, smaller, and more reliable than other qubits. In time, topological qubits will power Microsoft's fully scalable, highly secure, next-generation quantum computer.?Read more about this scientific discovery.

A Year of Quantum Impact

Highlights from the year...

Linda Lauw | Krysta Svore | Matthias Troyer | Fabrice Frachon | Chetan Nayak | Mariia Mykhailova | Martin Roetteler | Julie Love | Anita Ramanan | Matt Zanner | Hongbin Liu

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