Microsoft just announced a massive quantum computer breakthrough that uses an entirely new state of matter. The new quantum computer uses topological superconductors to create stable qubits with low error rates.

Topological superconductors enable stable qubits by utilizing Majorana zero modes to protect quantum information from decoherence.

The result: Microsoft should have a fault-tolerant usable quantum computer this decade. As in, before 2030.

In this TechFirst, we talk with Microsoft's head of quantum hardware, Chetan Nayak, who has been working on solving this problem for literally 19 years, and he talks us through the technology and what it means for quantum computer. He explains the methods to measure this new state non-destructively, the novel architecture that leverages it, and Microsoft's ambitious roadmap towards building a fault-tolerant quantum computer within this decade.

The conversation delves into potential future applications, the integration of this technology into global data infrastructures, and the transformative possibilities it holds for various fields, including chemistry, materials science, and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing

00:48 Understanding the New Phase of Matter: Topological Superconducto

r02:10 Properties and Applications of Superconductors

03:11 Creating and Engineering Topological Superconductors

05:16 The Significance of Topological Superconductors for Qubits

09:54 Measuring Quantum States with Quantum Dots

13:03 Building and Testing Quantum Devices

19:43 Future Roadmap for Quantum Processors

19:53 Unveiling the Quantum Roadmap

20:34 DARPA Collaboration and Engineering Milestones

21:23 Fabrication and Demonstration of the Eight Qubit Processor

21:43 Accelerating Quantum Progress

23:22 Scaling Quantum Computers for Practical Applications

27:04 The Long Journey of Quantum Research at Microsoft

33:24 Future Prospects and Challenges in Quantum Computing

38:10 Quantum Computing's Role in Addressing Global Issues

42:32 Reflections on a 19-Year Journey