Microsoft Unveils Majorana 1

Microsoft has introduced Majorana 1, the world’s first quantum processor powered by topological qubits. This marks a major step toward building reliable and scalable quantum computers.

Key Announcements

1. Majorana 1 Quantum Processor
   • The first Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) with a Topological Core.
   • Designed to scale to one million qubits on a single chip.
2. Hardware-Protected Topological Qubit
   • Uses a new material (topoconductor) to create small, fast, and digitally controlled qubits.
   • Research published in Nature confirms this breakthrough.
3. Roadmap to Reliable Quantum Computing
   • Moving from single-qubit devices to arrays that support quantum error correction.
   • Microsoft plans to build the first fault-tolerant quantum computer prototype (FTP).

New Material: The Topoconductor

• Microsoft’s breakthrough is the topoconductor, a material that enables topological superconductivity.
• It combines indium arsenide (a semiconductor) and aluminum (a superconductor).
• When cooled and tuned with magnetic fields, it forms Majorana Zero Modes (MZMs), which store quantum information securely.

Reliable Quantum Information Reading

• Quantum dots help measure the quantum state of qubits.
• Microsoft developed a method using microwaves to read these states with high accuracy.
• Error probability in initial tests was 1%, with improvements underway.

Digital Control for Quantum Computing

• Traditional quantum computing relies on precise analog signals.
• Microsoft’s approach uses digital pulses for error correction.
• This simplifies large-scale quantum computing and makes it more reliable.

Moving Toward Scalable Quantum Computing

1. Single-Qubit Device (Tetron)
   • Formed by two parallel topological wires with Majorana Zero Modes.
2. Two-Qubit Device
   • Enables measurement-based quantum operations.
3. 4×2 Tetron Array
   • Demonstrates quantum error detection.
4. Larger Arrays for Full Error Correction
   • 27×13 tetron array planned to support fault-tolerant computing.

Recognition from DARPA

• Microsoft is one of two companies advancing in DARPA’s US2QC program.
• DARPA confirmed Microsoft’s quantum architecture is feasible.
• The final phase involves building a fault-tolerant prototype in years, not decades.

The Future of Quantum Computing

• Microsoft has placed eight topological qubits on a chip designed for one million qubits.
• A full-scale quantum computer could solve major problems in:
  • Materials science (self-healing materials, advanced manufacturing).
  • Sustainable agriculture.
  • Chemical discovery.

Next Steps

• Microsoft continues to refine its technology and expand quantum research.
• Recent work is published in Nature and available on arXiv.
• Microsoft encourages researchers and developers to get quantum-ready.

Update with Microsoft’s quantum advancements through:

• Microsoft Research Podcast
• Official research papers
• Microsoft Source stories