Amazon has entered the quantum computing arena with the introduction of its new chip, Ocelot, designed specifically for error correction. This development positions the company alongside industry giants like Microsoft and Google in the race to make quantum technology practical.
Ocelot serves as a prototype aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of Amazon Web Services‘ quantum error correction architecture. The company claims that this chip can potentially reduce the costs associated with quantum error correction by up to 90 percent.
Quantum computing utilizes quantum bits, or qubits, which differ from traditional bits by allowing a representation of both 1 and 0 simultaneously. Ocelot enhances this concept by employing „cat qubits,“ named after the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, which can help minimize specific types of errors.
Error rates present a significant challenge in quantum computing, as qubits are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Even minor disturbances, such as electromagnetic interference from WiFi, can lead to calculation errors. While adding more qubits can increase computational speed, it also raises the likelihood of mistakes.
The Ocelot chip comprises five data qubits (the cat qubits), five buffer circuits for stabilization, and four additional qubits dedicated to error detection. This architecture prioritizes quantum error correction as a fundamental requirement for advancing practical quantum computers.
As competition intensifies, Ocelot represents a critical step toward reducing errors and realizing the potential of useful quantum computing.
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