Context:
IBM released first-ever 1,000-qubit quantum chip named Condor has superconducting qubits arranged in a honeycomb pattern.
A quantum chip contains quantum bits (qubits) and serves as the processor for quantum computers.
Quantum Computing:
- A quantum computer harnesses quantum mechanics to deliver huge leaps forward in processing power.
- They utilise qubits instead of bits for information storage.
- Qubits can encode information as 0, 1, or both simultaneously, unlike the binary representation of bits (represented by 0’s or 1’s) in traditional computers.
- 2 key principles of quantum physics –
- Superposition (i.e., simultaneous 1 and 0) – Each qubit can represent both 1 and 0 at the same time.
- Entanglement (i.e., correlation of qubits) – Qubits in a superposition can be correlated with each other; i.e., the state of one (whether it is a 1 or a 0) can depend on the state of another.
Must Read: Terms in Quantum Computing | Quantum Dots
Quantum Heron:
- New IBM 133-qubit processor
- Has recorded low error rate – 5 times lower than that of IBM Eagle
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
Answer: (b)
