What is topoconductor, new state of matter created by Microsoft
What's the story
Anyone familiar with basic science knows that matter exists in three primary states: solid, liquid, and gas. Now, Microsoft has announced a breakthrough by creating a new state of matter, called 'topoconductors.' As per the tech giant, this "entirely new state of matter, unlocked by a new class of materials," enables a fundamental leap in computing. It powers Majorana 1, the first quantum chip built on a topological core.
Material innovation
Topoconductors: The foundation of Majorana 1 chip
Topoconductors, or topological superconductors, are a special class of materials capable of generating a whole new state of matter. They are used to generate a more stable qubit that is fast, small, and can be digitally controlled without the trade-offs needed by today's alternatives. A recent paper in Nature explains how Microsoft researchers managed to generate and accurately measure these exotic quantum properties.
Quantum potential
Majorana 1 chip: A key to complex problems
The Majorana 1 chip's qubits, the basic unit of information in quantum computing, are unbelievably tiny, just 1/100th of a millimeter. This small size paves the way for a million-qubit processor. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella imagines a future where this chip could solve problems that are beyond the combined power of all computers on Earth. "We believe this breakthrough will allow us to create a truly meaningful quantum computer not in decades, as some have predicted, but in years."
Quantum applications
Majorana 1 chip: A catalyst for real-world solutions
The Majorana 1 chip could potentially allow quantum computers to offer transformative, real-world solutions. These could be anything from breaking down microplastics into harmless byproducts or developing self-healing materials for construction. Microsoft believes these are just a few examples of what this groundbreaking tech could do to solve complex global problems.