Microsoft Unveils New Quantum Computer

In February, Microsoft made headlines when it announced the development of a new type of quantum computer chip “built with a breakthrough class of materials called a topoconductor.” Shortly after, additional headlines poured cold water on this claim when scientists expressed skepticism on Microsoft’s results.  The research into this new device is funded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Microsoft's technology is based on measuring if the number of electrons in a wire held near absolute zero temperature is odd or even by shooting microwaves at it. This alleged new state of matter that permits the storing of quantum information is being challenged by outside researchers who say there hasn’t been enough evidence shared publicly to validate the results. Even as a physics nerd I don’t claim to fully understand the science, but it’s undeniable that lots of money is being spent on the race towards a fully-functioning quantum computer. Regardless of the validity of Microsoft’s current claim, scientists are clearly advancing toward that goal and I have no doubt it will arrive in my lifetime.