Microsoft’s Majorana 1: A Quantum Computing Leader in the Making?
Following in the footsteps of Google, which unveiled its own quantum computing chip in December 2024, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has entered the arena, revealing its latest quantum chip, the Majorana 1, on February 19. This announcement has sparked considerable discussion about Microsoft’s position in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing and its potential impact on other players like Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) and D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS).
But does the release of Majorana 1 truly make Microsoft a leader in quantum computing? To answer this, it’s crucial to consider expert opinions and understand Microsoft’s unique approach.
Understanding Microsoft’s Quantum Strategy: Topological Qubits
A qubit, analogous to a bit in classical computing, is the fundamental unit of quantum information. Quantum computing faces a significant hurdle: instability in qubits. This is caused by external disturbances that introduce errors into calculations. While quantum computers theoretically offer computational advantages over classical ones, errors can render their results unusable.
The primary objective in quantum computing research is to minimize or correct these errors. Various companies are exploring methods to do this. One popular technique involves spreading the error across many physical qubits to make a logical qubit that is error-corrected. However, this method can be inefficient because only one usable qubit is created from thousands.
Microsoft is focusing on limiting errors at their source. They are aiming to utilize topological qubits, relying on Majorana zero modes (MZMs). MZMs intrinsically spread quantum information, making it more resistant to minor disturbances and thus less prone to errors. This built-in error resistance would decrease the number of physical qubits needed to create a logical qubit.
If this technology proves successful, it could lead to a much more scalable quantum computer.
Expert Opinions on Majorana 1
Microsoft, itself, acknowledges that its research hasn’t yet confirmed the existence of MZMs. The reactions from experts in the field reveal a nuanced view of the recent announcement.
Jainendra Jain, a physicist at Penn State University, who pioneered quantum theories that earned a Nobel Prize, stated that the research “does not demonstrate a Majorana qubit but instead demonstrates the feasibility of a measurement that would be needed for a future computer based on Majorana particles.”
As reported by Physics World, Winfried Hensinger, a physicist at the University of Sussex, said, “The peer-reviewed publication is quite clear [that it contains] no proof for topological qubits.” Hensinger criticized Microsoft for not clearly stating this in their press release. He estimates that topological quantum computing is 20 to 30 years behind other methods.
Paul Stevenson, a math and physics professor at the University of Surrey, as reported by the Science Media Center, believes Microsoft is behind its competitors in pursuing other quantum computing methods. Stevenson commented that Microsoft “so far has failed to demonstrate working devices while competitors have been building basic quantum computers for a few years now using other qubit technology.”
Implications for Microsoft and Other Quantum Stocks
Several key takeaways emerge from the Microsoft Majorana quantum chip announcement.
- Microsoft is on a longer path that could offer significant advantages, its approach could potentially outperform and scale better than other technologies in the long run.
- There is uncertainty about the progress the company has made in creating a topological qubit. Microsoft will present results that it says offer proof at the Global Physics Summit of the American Physical Society in March.
- This launch is a notable advancement in the arena of quantum computing. However, it is hard to say that Microsoft is leading in the field, due to uncertainty in its research and timeline for implementation. It’s unclear whether this negatively affects the other publicly traded quantum stocks, which could actually benefit because Microsoft’s technology is seen as trailing.
Overall, quantum computing continues to advance quickly. The applicability of this technology is still further off.
