Superconducting quantum computers using superconductor elements have made their way to the forefront of research and development in the field of quantum computers, both with regards to the number of quantum bits, which form the basis of calculations, and their basic functions. However, superconductor quantum computers are as of yet far away from making integration practical, despite having the minimum operational accuracy required for implementation with regards to quantum bit ability.
Although semiconductor quantum computers have fallen behind superconductor quantum computers, they are considered suitable for integration due to their compatibility with semiconductor integration technology. They are also rapidly increasing in importance to industry and society, with more businesses entering research and development in recent years. It is under such circumstances that Riken's Akito Noiri improved the basic operational accuracy of semiconductor quantum bits that use electron spin, and even developed technology that may lead to integration. Noiri has rapidly boosted the feasibility of semiconductor quantum computing, and provided a new guide for quantum computing research and development.
Thanks to his own sample design and optimization of operation conditions, Noiri has become one of the first in the world to boost the basic operational accuracy of a small number of semiconductor quantum bits to a level necessary for practical use, and demonstrate that they hold the similar capabilities as superconductors. Additionally, using the high basic operational accuracy as a basis, he succeeded in demonstrating the simplest quantum error correction for the first time for the semiconductor quantum bit system. As for the wiring issue, which is the task at the heart of integration, Noiri established a technology to link separated quantum bits using his own methods, becoming the first in the world to demonstrate a path towards scalability.
Thanks to Noiri's results, it is expected that research and development in semiconductor quantum computing will accelerate, involving more major semiconductor companies. If generic quantum calculation that makes use of the high integration of semiconductors can be implemented, this will likely contribute to solving a wide breadth of societal problems, such as optimizing drug development, materials science, financial modeling, delivery and transportation, as well as predicting weather and climate change.
