Quantum computing has made remarkable progress in 2024, with several leading companies and research institutions making significant strides in chip scalability. Major players like IBM, Google, Quantinuum, MIT, Pasqal, Intel, Atom Computing, TU Darmstadt, D-Wave, and Rigetti Computing are pushing the boundaries of quantum technology, each contributing unique advancements that bring us closer to practical, large-scale quantum computing.

MIT: 4000+ Qubits on a CMOS Chip

MIT’s groundbreaking work involves integrating over 4,000 qubits onto a single CMOS chip, utilizing diamond color centers [1]. This development seamlessly integrates with traditional semiconductor technology, making quantum computing more scalable and manufacturable. MIT's approach addresses qubit control and connectivity challenges, providing a path to large-scale quantum systems that can be mass-produced.

Atom Computing: 1180- qubit Platform

Atom Computing has made significant advancements in quantum computing scalability with their development of a 1,180-qubit quantum computing platform [2]. This platform is based on atomic arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms, leveraging the nuclear spin of these atoms to construct qubits. The system is notable not only for its high qubit count but also for its focus on achieving high fidelity, long coherence times, and reduced complexity in qubit control. This development positions Atom Computing as a leading player in the quantum computing space, particularly in the realm of scalable quantum systems.

IBM: 1121- Qubit Processor

IBM continues to lead in quantum computing with its "Condor" processor, which now has 1,121 qubits  [3]. This processor represents a major milestone in IBM’s roadmap, designed to build modular quantum systems that can interconnect, enabling even larger quantum systems in the future. IBM's advancements in qubit fidelity and error correction are essential for ensuring the practicality and reliability of these large-scale quantum systems.

TU Darmstadt: 1,000+ Atomic Qubits in a 2D Array

Researchers at TU Darmstadt have achieved a new milestone by integrating over 1,000 atomic qubits into a single 2D array using optical tweezers which is efficient in qubit control and manipulation [4], paving the way for processors with larger qubit counts. This breakthrough pushes the boundaries of atom-based quantum computing and sets the stage for future quantum processors capable of handling even more qubits.

Pasqal: 1000- Qubit Processor

Pasqal is advancing its 2D quantum processor technology using neutral atoms, with a target of reaching 1,000 qubits by the end of 2024 [5]. Their 2D arrays of neutral atoms, precisely controlled by optical tweezers, allows easy expansion of qubits, provide a scalable solution that maintains qubit coherence and control, making Pasqal a significant competitor in the quantum computing race.

Google: 144- Qubit Processor

Google has made significant advancements with its Bristlecone 2 processor, featuring 144 qubits [6]. This processor builds on Google’s previous successes and introduces improved qubit connectivity and error rates, positioning Google closer to achieving practical quantum advantage. The Bristlecone 2 is designed to tackle specific quantum tasks that could outperform classical supercomputers, making it a key player in the race to scalable quantum computing.

Rigetti Computing: 84- Qubit Processor

Rigetti Computing continues to innovate with its modular multi-chip architecture, designed for scalability and high performance. The Aspen series processors, including the Aspen-M series, feature up to 84 qubits, suitable for a wide range of quantum computing applications [7]. 

Quantinuum: 56- Qubit Processor

Quantinuum has addressed critical challenges in quantum computing scalability with its H2-1 processor, which features 56 qubits with all-to-all connectivity [8]. This processor offers high fidelity and efficient qubit control and interaction, supporting the construction of larger quantum systems thus positioning Quantinuum as a leader in the development of scalable quantum systems that can perform complex tasks beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

Intel: 12- Qubits Chip

Intel has introduced the Tunnel Falls chip, featuring 12 silicon spin qubits [9]. Although the qubit count is lower, Intel’s approach is noteworthy for its compatibility with existing semiconductor manufacturing processes, which has high yield and uniformity and is crucial for scaling quantum computers in a commercially viable way.

D-Wave: 5,000+ qubits

D-Wave's Advantage quantum system, featuring over 5,000 qubits [10], is one of the highest qubit counts in the quantum computing industry. Unlike gate-based systems from companies like IBM and Google, which are designed for general-purpose quantum computation, D-Wave's system is based on quantum annealing, making it highly effective for solving specific optimization problems by finding optimal solutions in complex problem spaces. Additionally, D-Wave has enhanced its qubit connectivity with 15-way qubit connections, enabling more complex and efficient problem-solving capabilities.

Conclusion

The advancements in quantum computing scalability represent significant strides toward realizing the full potential of quantum computing. These innovations are driving the industry closer to achieving quantum advantage, where quantum computers can outperform classical systems in real-world applications.

Reference:

[1] MIT's Quantum Computing Innovations, https://news.mit.edu/2024/modular-scalable-hardware-architecture-quantum-computer

[2] Atom Computing Scales Quantum Computing Platform,  https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Atom_Computing_Scales_Quantum_Computing_Platform/a69433 

[3] IBM Quantum Compu ting Roadmap, https://www.ibm.com/quantum

[4] TU Darmstadt’s Quantum Computing Breakthrough, https://phys.org/news/2024-02-atom-based-quantum-atomic-qubits.html

[5] Pasqal Official Website, https://www.pasqal.com/

[6] Google Quantum AI, https://quantumai.google/ 

[7] Rigetti Computing Overview, https://www.rigetti.com/ 

[8] Quantinuum’s Quantum Computing Innovations, https://www.quantinuum.com/news 

[9] Intel’s Quantum Computing Innovations, https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/research/quantum-computing.html 

[10] D-Wave Systems Overview, https://www.dwavesys.com/