IBM presents its first error -resistant quantum computing system

IBM revealed on Tuesday (10) the Starlingits quantum computing system designed for perform complex calculations with high reliabilityusing 200 logical quibits to reach a milestone that should overcome classical computing methods.

The forecast is that Starling Be available in 2029 At the company’s Data Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Which brings Starling and why it matters

• Ability to perform 100 million quantum operations without errorwith 200 logical quibits.
• Applying LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) error errors, which drastically reduce the number of physical quibits compared to traditional surface codes.
• According to Jay Gambetta, vice -president of the IBM Quantum Division: “It is now a great engineering challenge, not science.”

The combination of robust quantum circuits and automatic errors correction, therefore, achieves a substantial advance towards practical and large scale computing.

Development Roadmap

IBM detailed the sequence of processors that pave the way to Starling:

Architecture and Technical Innovation

• The new line of chips integrates Long range couploders (“C -Cuplers” and “L -Cuplers”) and Multilayer Packaging to accommodate LDPC codes.
• Change of the “heavy hex” standard to square matrixpromoting greater connectivity and less unwanted coupling (“Crossstalk”).
• Introduction of decoders in Classic Hardware (FPGAS) capable of processing Syndromes data in real time.
• Modular computing: the logic behind the new architecture

Modular computing: the logic behind the new architecture

The development of Starling architecture is a strategic change. Instead of simply increasing the number of physical quibits, IBM is creating autonomous and failed computational unitsa modular technique that will allow controlled system scaling.

The error correction code chosen, bivariate bicycle LDPCrequires a careful organization of quibits in specific connectivity networks. In a first implementation, 144 physical quibits will be organized to support 12 logical quibits, with code distance 12 – a parameter that defines the robustness of the fault system. There is also a variation with 288 physical quibits, which raises the distance to 18, increasing error protection.

Modular architecture will already be present in the Kookaburraexpected in 2026, which will act as a basic block of stable quantum memory.

The next evolution, with the Cockatoointroduces the concept of complete quantum computing units, capable of performing universal algorithms and interconnecting through a shared physical bus – the call Universal Bridge.

O Universal Bridgein turn, it will require a set of microwave cables proportional to the code distance, which means, for example, 12 lines dedicated to a distance code 12.

IBM is also developing control circuits compatible with cryogenic temperatures (COLD CMOS), which can operate at 4 Kelvin, simplifying module management within dilution refrigerators.

Expected impacts

IBM believes that Starling will pave the way for practical applications in various areas:

• Drug Discoverymaterial modeling, quantum chemistry, and logistics and financial optimization.
• Increasing the depth of the quantum circuits to up to 20,000 times compared to current systems.
• According to CEO Arvind Krishna, it will be a vital step for “real -world challenges” and unlocking “huge possibilities for business.”

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One step further: the era of engineering

When we talk about error resistant quantum computinglike that of the future Starling, we are dealing with a jump that can impact areas very close to our daily lives. For example:

• New drugs and personalized treatments: Quantum chemistry will allow you to simulate molecular interactions so that even current supercomputers can do. This can accelerate the development of more effective and safe drugs.
• Lighter and more efficient materials: Imagine batteries that last weeks, new ultra -resistant materials or superconductors operating at room temperature – all are scenarios that a functional quantum computing would help to explore.
• Digital security: The algorithms that protect bank data and private communications may one day be broken by quantum computers. The advance of architectures such as Starling forces governments and companies to already think of new forms of quantum resistant cryptography.
• Logistics and Financial Optimization: from Product delivery routes Even real time management of electric networks or public transport systems, quantum algorithms can find solutions that would be unfeasible today for traditional computers.

What was previously faced in research laboratories is now viewed as a technical challenge. As highlighted Gambetta:

We want to build this equipment and work with our partners in algorithms, with great hope that it is the future of the quantum industry

Jay GambetVice -President of the Quantum Division of IBM

For IBM, the launch of intermediate processors brings transparency and trajectory safety towards Starling and future releases.

Source: IBM and Nature