IBM Takes Quantum Computing a Step Forward with Modular Cryogenic System
IBM has made significant progress in its quest for fault-tolerant quantum computing. The company announced it has successfully connected two cryogenic modules to create a single environment that can scale into a modular, shared, and ultra-cold system required to link hundreds of quantum chips. This achievement brings the company closer to its goal of delivering the IBM Quantum Starling system in 2029.
The pair of cryogenic modules stand over 8 feet tall and wide, and testing showed they can cool to 4 degrees Kelvin (-452.5 Fahrenheit) within five days. They can achieve an even more frigid final temperature of below 15 millikelvin (-459.6 Fahrenheit) shortly thereafter.
To create and commercialize the necessary technology, IBM is investing $10 billion. The company's goal is to deliver a system capable of running circuits composed of 100 million quantum gates on 200 logical qubits.