Google has announced a breakthrough in quantum computing with its new chip, Willow. The tech giant claims the chip solved a complex problem in five minutes, a task that would take today’s most powerful super computers approximately 10 septillion years (or 1025 years) to complete — a time that is longer than the universe’s age.

To put that in perspective, that is 1,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,000 years of work done in five minutes.

Why is this important?

Willow uses 105 quantum bits (qubits), special units that enable quantum computers to process information far faster than traditional computers.

Unlike regular bits, which are either 0 or 1, qubits can exist in a state of 0, 1, or both simultaneously.

How does it work?

Willow operates at near absolute-zero temperatures to prevent disruptions to its delicate quantum states. These ultra-cold environments are crucial for maintaining the chip’s stability during calculations.

Google says it’s an important step toward practical quantum computing. Future applications could revolutionise medicine, battery design, and AI.

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