IBM uncovers 433-qubit quantum processor

IBM has unveiled a quantum processor equipped with over three times the number of qubits of its predecessor. The 433-qubit Osprey processor, based on superconducting circuits, has the potential to run complex quantum computations well beyond the computational capability of any classical computer, Big Blue claims. It “brings us a step closer to the point where quantum computers will be used to tackle previously unsolvable problems. This work will prove foundational for the coming era of quantum-centric supercomputing,” said Darío Gil, research director at IBM.

IBM made a 5-qubit quantum computer available via the cloud in 2016. Since then, it has presented upgrades in more or less a yearly cadence. Last year, the spotlight was on the 127-qubit Eagle and next year, the Condor is slated to crack the 1000-qubit barrier. The current roadmap takes the company to over 4150 qubits by the end of 2025.

In parallel, IBM has been working on Quantum System Two, in which multiple processors are linked up into a single system. The first iteration of this modular architecture will be part of IBM’s cloud quantum computing service starting in 2023.