IBM presents new quantum processors, software features, and experiments that accelerate development towards quantum advantage and fault-tolerant quantum computers.
At its annual Quantum Developer Conference, IBM announces multiple new steps in the development of quantum technology. The company introduces a new processor, expands its software stack, and showcases experimental results aimed at contributing to quantum computers that surpass conventional systems by the end of 2026 and fault-tolerant systems in 2029.
Central to this is the IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor. This new model contains 120 qubits and 218 adjustable couplings between qubits. According to IBM, the architecture supports circuits that are up to 30 percent more complex than on the previous generation processors. Users would be able to perform calculations with up to 5,000 two-qubit gates. The manufacturer expects later versions of Nighthawk to increase this number to 15,000 gates in 2028.
Measurable Supremacy
To make progress towards quantum advantage measurable, IBM is collaborating with various research institutions on a public quantum supremacy tracking system. This platform currently contains three experiments, including variation problems and tasks that are easily verifiable classically. It should enable the broader research field to compare results with classical simulation methods.
From time to time, companies like D-Wave do claim quantum supremacy, but this usually involves systems that solve a very niche problem that is difficult to translate into broader general use. IBM hopes to promote a more objective benchmark and, of course, to be the first to break the supremacy barrier.
Software and Binary Systems
The Qiskit software stack also receives new capabilities. Thanks to dynamic circuits, IBM claims a 24 percent accuracy gain in systems with more than 100 qubits. A new execution model and a C-API should make it easier to perform error reduction in combination with HPC systems. IBM reports that it can decode errors within 480 nanoseconds using qLDPC codes and classical HPC hardware.
The costs of obtaining accurate results from calculations would be more than a hundred times lower as a result. Additionally, a C++ interface is being introduced to develop quantum programs directly in HPC environments.
The tandem between HPC and quantum is gaining speed this year. Not only IBM is focusing on it, but also Nvidia. This is not illogical: quantum computers promise unprecedented performance but not for all applications. Windows and Office will not run better on a quantum computer. In that respect, it can be interesting to treat quantum computers as subsystems or accelerators, working together with binary systems where it adds value.
Reward for the Long Term
In addition to short-term steps, IBM also presents its experimental Quantum Loon processor. According to the company, this demonstrates all the hardware elements necessary for fault-tolerant quantum computers. The chip includes additional routing layers that enable longer connections between qubits.
Meanwhile, the production of quantum chips is moving to a 300mm wafer facility at the Albany NanoTech complex in New York. IBM says the more modern production line doubles the development speed and allows testing of more complex chip designs.