IBM Unveils Roadmap for Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computer 'Quantum Starling' by 2029

IBM has announced a plan to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer called Quantum Starling by 2029. The company's roadmap involves the release of the IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor later this year, followed by the Quantum Loon chip and other components named with a bird theme. Quantum Starling aims to solve problems faster than traditional computers and will be built at the IBM Poughkeepsie Lab in New York. The new processor will replace the Quantum Heron processor and boost the number of gates it can run from 5,000 to 15,000 by 2028.

IBM has announced a significant milestone in quantum computing with its plan to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer called Quantum Starling by 2029. The company's roadmap outlines a series of developments leading up to this ambitious goal, starting with the release of the IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor later this year [1].

The IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor is expected to be followed by the Quantum Loon chip and other components named with a bird theme. These processors will replace the existing Quantum Heron processor and are designed to significantly enhance the computational capabilities of IBM's quantum computers. By 2028, the new processors are expected to boost the number of gates they can run from 5,000 to 15,000, marking a substantial increase in computational power [1].

Quantum Starling aims to solve problems faster than traditional computers and will be built at the IBM Poughkeepsie Lab in New York. The development of fault-tolerant quantum computing is a critical step in unlocking the full potential of quantum computers. Fault-tolerant quantum computers can run larger, deeper circuits with hundreds of millions of gates operating on hundreds of qubits, at least, and can correct errors and prevent them from spreading throughout the system [1].

IBM's approach to fault-tolerant quantum computing involves the use of bivariate bicycle codes, which are based on quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) codes. These codes have been shown to correct errors as effectively as the surface code but require 10 times fewer qubits to do so. The development of efficient, fault-tolerant logical processing units (LPUs) and universal adapters is also a key part of IBM's strategy [1].

The development of Quantum Starling is expected to have significant implications for various industries, including finance, healthcare, and logistics. Quantum computers have the potential to solve complex optimization problems, simulate molecular structures, and analyze vast amounts of data more efficiently than classical computers. As such, the successful development of fault-tolerant quantum computers could lead to significant advancements in these areas [1].

In conclusion, IBM's plan to develop Quantum Starling represents a major step forward in the field of quantum computing. The company's roadmap and the technological advancements outlined in its recent papers suggest that IBM is well on its way to realizing the full potential of quantum computing. The successful development of Quantum Starling could have profound implications for various industries and pave the way for further advancements in quantum computing technology [1].

References:

[1] https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/large-scale-ftqc