Google claims to have achieved 'quantum advantage' again, a term that refers to the ability of quantum computers to significantly speed up calculations compared to their classical counterparts. The company has made this claim with its latest algorithm, dubbed "quantum echoes," which researchers believe could be used to solve complex scientific problems.
At a recent briefing for journalists, Hartmut Neven, head of Google's quantum-computing lab in Santa Barbara, California, expressed optimism that the technology would become practical within five years. However, not all experts are convinced by the claim.
Some scientists argue that the burden of proof should be higher before such a significant achievement can be made. Dries Sels, a quantum physicist at New York University, notes that while the paper doing the research "does a serious job" in testing various classical algorithms, it does not provide conclusive evidence that an efficient one doesn't exist.
Others are skeptical about the promise of practical use so soon. James Whitfield, a quantum physicist at Dartmouth College, describes the technical advance as impressive but notes that it is "a bit of a stretch to think how this is going to suddenly solve some economically viable problem."
To demonstrate their algorithm's potential, Google researchers used it to simulate simple molecules in a preprint study. They were able to predict certain features of the molecules' structures using quantum simulations and confirm their findings with nuclear magnetic resonance measurements.
However, applying the quantum-echoes algorithm to more complex systems will require significant advancements in hardware or methods to correct for errors that are still being worked on.
Google's algorithm works by detecting subtle quantum links between distant parts of the computer. The team likened this process to mapping a cave using echoes, where they run a series of operations, perturb a qubit, and then run the operations in reverse. Measurements reveal traces of the single qubit's interactions throughout the system.
To apply their algorithm to molecules, researchers make qubits simulate 'spins' of atomic nuclei. By measuring how these spins interact magnetically, nuclear magnetic resonance reveals a molecule's structure. However, this technique fails when the nuclei are too far apart. By simulating spins using qubits, the quantum-echoes algorithm can tease out long-distance interactions to give more structural information than is possible using NMR alone.
While Google's latest claim of 'quantum advantage' has generated excitement, it remains to be seen whether their technology will live up to its promise in the years ahead.
At a recent briefing for journalists, Hartmut Neven, head of Google's quantum-computing lab in Santa Barbara, California, expressed optimism that the technology would become practical within five years. However, not all experts are convinced by the claim.
Some scientists argue that the burden of proof should be higher before such a significant achievement can be made. Dries Sels, a quantum physicist at New York University, notes that while the paper doing the research "does a serious job" in testing various classical algorithms, it does not provide conclusive evidence that an efficient one doesn't exist.
Others are skeptical about the promise of practical use so soon. James Whitfield, a quantum physicist at Dartmouth College, describes the technical advance as impressive but notes that it is "a bit of a stretch to think how this is going to suddenly solve some economically viable problem."
To demonstrate their algorithm's potential, Google researchers used it to simulate simple molecules in a preprint study. They were able to predict certain features of the molecules' structures using quantum simulations and confirm their findings with nuclear magnetic resonance measurements.
However, applying the quantum-echoes algorithm to more complex systems will require significant advancements in hardware or methods to correct for errors that are still being worked on.
Google's algorithm works by detecting subtle quantum links between distant parts of the computer. The team likened this process to mapping a cave using echoes, where they run a series of operations, perturb a qubit, and then run the operations in reverse. Measurements reveal traces of the single qubit's interactions throughout the system.
To apply their algorithm to molecules, researchers make qubits simulate 'spins' of atomic nuclei. By measuring how these spins interact magnetically, nuclear magnetic resonance reveals a molecule's structure. However, this technique fails when the nuclei are too far apart. By simulating spins using qubits, the quantum-echoes algorithm can tease out long-distance interactions to give more structural information than is possible using NMR alone.
While Google's latest claim of 'quantum advantage' has generated excitement, it remains to be seen whether their technology will live up to its promise in the years ahead.
... I mean, sure, simulating molecules is one thing, but how's that gonna solve real-world problems like climate change or poverty? 
We need solutions not just fancy algorithms that only work on supercomputers 
.
, but I gotta think, if they're saying we'll have practical use in 5 years, that's a pretty tight timeline 
. I mean, I've been struggling with my physics homework for ages and it feels like no one's getting any closer to understanding those fancy concepts 
. But hey, at least Google's giving it another shot, maybe they'll figure out how to make it more user-friendly 
.
. I'm just trying to wrap my head around it in my head and then... BAM! Quantum echoes, who knew that was even a thing 
?
) like me. Right now, it feels like it's all happening behind closed doors or in super expensive labs 
.
. Maybe they'll change the game and make quantum computing more than just a pipe dream 
.
... meanwhile, actual complex problems are still a long way off from being solved 
. and don't even get me started on the hardware issues 
.
and I totally need to get my hands on some fancy truffle oil. Have you guys tried that stuff? It's supposed to give it this rich, earthy flavor... anyway, back to quantum computers - isn't the whole point of having a supercomputer that it can do things faster and more efficiently? Like, in space exploration or something 
I feel like we're always trying to optimize our tech for speed, but with climate change and all, shouldn't we be focusing on sustainability instead?
and this quantum thingy is like, whoa! 
Don't get me wrong, the tech sounds impressive and all that but I need to see more concrete results before I start investing in quantum-powered productivity 
. And what about those errors? 
How are they gonna fix those before this tech is actually practical? 
. I mean, come on, we've been hearing about this stuff for ages and still can't make it practical. Like, Hartmut Neven says it'll be a thing within five years but I'm like, no way 
. The experts are all over each other's throats too 
...Dries Sels is like "not enough proof" and James Whitfield is all "it's impressive but what about the errors?" 
. What's good is that they're actually making progress and testing new methods. Maybe one day we'll see some real-world applications of this tech? But for now, let's just take a deep breath and wait to see what happens next 
. And let's be real, the progress they're making is still crazy fast compared to how far we are behind in terms of computational power 
. But I'm not gonna lie, the potential here is mind-blowing 
. So yeah, I'm all for giving Google a bit of faith and seeing where this thing takes us 
.
.
, it was mind-blowing, but also kinda confusing. This quantum stuff sounds like that all over again - super complex and hard to wrap your head around. And what if Google's algorithm isn't as efficient as they claim? I'd want to see some more concrete evidence before I start believing in its magic 
. So yeah, I'm keeping my expectations in check for now 
I know some people are hyped about Google's "quantum advantage" claim, but let's not get too carried away just yet 
.
. Like, James Whitfield's comment about how this is gonna solve economically viable problems is a bit...ambitious? 
. i'm hyped to see where this tech takes us in the next few yrs, maybe we'll have quantum computers solving world hunger or something 
.
it's true that some ppl are skeptical but im all about supporting my fav tech company 
i mean, who needs conclusive evidence when u have a paper that shows potential 
and btw, simulating simple molecules is just the beginning 
. Time will tell if they can actually deliver on this promise 
... and who knows, maybe they'll surprise us with how quickly it comes together 
. But from where I'm sitting, I need a bit more convincing before I start getting excited