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Strong Quantum Computational Advantage Using a Superconducting Quantum Processor

Yulin Wu et al.
Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 180501 – Published 25 October 2021
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Abstract

Scaling up to a large number of qubits with high-precision control is essential in the demonstrations of quantum computational advantage to exponentially outpace the classical hardware and algorithmic improvements. Here, we develop a two-dimensional programmable superconducting quantum processor, Zuchongzhi, which is composed of 66 functional qubits in a tunable coupling architecture. To characterize the performance of the whole system, we perform random quantum circuits sampling for benchmarking, up to a system size of 56 qubits and 20 cycles. The computational cost of the classical simulation of this task is estimated to be 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than the previous work on 53-qubit Sycamore processor [Nature 574, 505 (2019). We estimate that the sampling task finished by Zuchongzhi in about 1.2 h will take the most powerful supercomputer at least 8 yr. Our work establishes an unambiguous quantum computational advantage that is infeasible for classical computation in a reasonable amount of time. The high-precision and programmable quantum computing platform opens a new door to explore novel many-body phenomena and implement complex quantum algorithms.

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  • Received 1 July 2021
  • Accepted 26 August 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.180501

© 2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Quantum Information, Science & Technology

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Quantum Leap for Quantum Primacy

Published 25 October 2021

Two experimental quantum computers tackle the most complex problems yet, suggesting an end to the debate on whether quantum “primacy”—the point at which a quantum computer outperforms the best possible classical computer—can be reached.

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Phase-Programmable Gaussian Boson Sampling Using Stimulated Squeezed Light

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 180502 (2021)

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Vol. 127, Iss. 18 — 29 October 2021

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