China has announced a major breakthrough in quantum computing with the launch of the Tianyan-504, a quantum computer featuring the Xiaohong-504 chip. This chip has 504 qubits, setting a new domestic record for China.
The development comes from a collaboration between the China Telecom Quantum Group, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and QuantumCTek, a technology firm based in Anhui Province.
The Xiaohong-504 chip is designed to perform at levels comparable to international systems like those from IBM. It focuses on important performance metrics such as qubit lifetime, gate fidelity, and quantum circuit depth.
However, the main goal of this new quantum computer is to improve infrastructure for large-scale quantum systems rather than just focusing on computing power.
The first Xiaohong-504 processor will be delivered to QuantumCTek for extensive testing of its measurement and control systems. This is a significant step toward advancing quantum technology in China.
The Tianyan-504 will also be integrated into the Tianyan quantum cloud platform, which was launched in November 2023. This platform allows users worldwide to access quantum computing resources.
Since its launch, it has attracted over 12 million visits from users in more than 50 countries. China’s progress in quantum computing highlights its ambition to lead in this field.
The country has made significant advancements using both photonic and superconducting technologies. The Tianyan-504 represents a leap forward, supporting research and applications that could impact various industries.