Researchers in Japan have switched on "Shunkai," a neutral atom quantum computer that scientists hope to scale into a 10,000-qubit behemoth by March 2031.
Quantum computers: Powerful but impractical Unlike traditional, or "classical," computers, quantum computers operate according to the strange laws of quantum physics.
In quantum systems, qubits — in the form of superconducting circuits, trapped ions or photons (among other modalities) — represent the fundamental building blocks of quantum information.
This thorny issue, combined with quantum systems' need for elaborate cooling systems to keep them operational, makes them impractical outside of finely tuned lab environments.
The quantum system will initially operate with around 50 qubits before expanding to roughly 500.