Quantum Computing: A Long Road Ahead, Even for China
SHANGHAI, CHINA – While the promise of quantum computers has captured the imagination of thepublic, with many believing they will soon replace traditional computers, leading Chinese scientist Xue Qikun, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has tempered expectations. Speaking at the 2024 Pujiang Innovation Forum, Xue, also the president of Southern University of Science and Technology, stated that a universal quantumcomputer is still 10 to 20 years away.
We are still facing at least five major hurdles in physics, Xue explained. These include error rates, coherence times, cooling equipment, hardware solutions, and uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, Xue emphasized the potential of quantum computers in the current AI era. To meet the computational demands of AI and achieve sustainable development, we need higher computing power, higher storage density, and lower energy consumption, he said. Quantum computers offer significant possibilities in this regard.
However, Xue cautioned against expecting a quick replacement of traditional computers. The principles of quantum computers are very special, and their physical implementation requires massive cooling equipment, he explained. A universal superconducting quantum computer would occupy about a quarter of a football field, makingminiaturization impossible.
He further compared the situation to the development of airplanes and cars. Just as we don’t expect cars to be replaced by airplanes, we shouldn’t expect laptops to be replaced by quantum computers anytime soon, he stated.
China has made significant strides in quantum computing research, withthe development of the Benyuan Wukong 2 superconductor quantum computer, the fourth generation of its kind, entering the final stages of development. The third generation, Benyuan Wukong, has garnered over 10 million global users, making it the most advanced programmable and deliverable superconducting quantumcomputer in China.
Despite these advancements, Xue stressed the immense challenge of building a universal quantum computer. It’s a challenge to human intelligence, exceeding the difficulty of the first moon landing, he said. It’s a symbol of a nation’s strongest scientific and technological strength.
While the journeytowards a universal quantum computer may be long, Xue’s remarks highlight China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific research and its ambitions to become a global leader in this critical field. The development of quantum computers holds immense potential for various sectors, from medicine and materials science to artificial intelligence and cryptography.
However, the challenges ahead are significant, and it remains to be seen whether China, or any other nation, can overcome these hurdles and unlock the full potential of this revolutionary technology.
Views: 0