Quantum computing is one of the central topics in technological development in the 21st century. The operation of a quantum computer is based on the principles of quantum theory, formulated already in the 1920s and 1930s, many of which are still in use today. This post presents the innovations in the field, following a previous overview that introduced the basic principles.
In a regular computer, calculations are performed sequentially using bits—electrical switches that can be in an open or closed state, “1” or “0.” In a quantum computer, the unit of information is a qubit: an atomic or subatomic component (such as an electron) that can be in both states simultaneously—“1” and “0.” This property enables a quantum computer to perform many calculations in parallel and reach solutions that would require a regular computer thousands of years.
Another key principle is the entanglement of qubits. This is a state in which two particles are “linked” in such a way that a change in one affects the other immediately, even if they are far apart. Through entanglement, quantum computers can perform parallel and complex operations with high efficiency.
Advancements in the development of quantum computers currently focus on technological challenges surrounding system miniaturization and efforts to enable operation under non-specialized environmental conditions. Among other things, this requires developing stable and reliable qubits that prevent “quantum noise,” which causes quantum states to collapse and produce incorrect classical results; expanding the existing pool of algorithms; developing software to reduce errors during computation; developing optical computing systems for optimizing multi-variable processes; and the possibility of developing hybrid systems—systems that combine a quantum computer with a regular one.
Today, several methods exist for creating qubits. Major progress in this field is reflected in the ability to develop chips capable of containing thousands of qubits or more without interfering with each other. Some chips use superconductors—materials that can conduct electricity without resistance. Other chips use topological qubits, based on combinations of conductors and superconductors that, under special conditions, can produce a topological phase: creating material capable of conducting electricity in specific regions, such as at the edges of the conductor, while other areas remain insulated. This capability allows for reduced external disturbances or collapse.
These developments rely on research in physics that has won Nobel Prizes: in 2025 for the development of superconducting-based devices, and in 2016 for the discovery of topological phases.
Quantum computing is one of the central topics in technological development in the 21st century. The operation of a quantum computer is based on the principles of quantum theory, formulated already in the 1920s and 1930s, many of which are still in use today. This post presents the innovations in the field, following a previous overview that introduced the basic principles.
In a regular computer, calculations are performed sequentially using bits—electrical switches that can be in an open or closed state, “1” or “0.” In a quantum computer, the unit of information is a qubit: an atomic or subatomic component (such as an electron) that can be in both states simultaneously—“1” and “0.” This property enables a quantum computer to perform many calculations in parallel and reach solutions that would require a regular computer thousands of years.
Another key principle is the entanglement of qubits. This is a state in which two particles are “linked” in such a way that a change in one affects the other immediately, even if they are far apart. Through entanglement, quantum computers can perform parallel and complex operations with high efficiency.
Advancements in the development of quantum computers currently focus on technological challenges surrounding system miniaturization and efforts to enable operation under non-specialized environmental conditions. Among other things, this requires developing stable and reliable qubits that prevent “quantum noise,” which causes quantum states to collapse and produce incorrect classical results; expanding the existing pool of algorithms; developing software to reduce errors during computation; developing optical computing systems for optimizing multi-variable processes; and the possibility of developing hybrid systems—systems that combine a quantum computer with a regular one.
Today, several methods exist for creating qubits. Major progress in this field is reflected in the ability to develop chips capable of containing thousands of qubits or more without interfering with each other. Some chips use superconductors—materials that can conduct electricity without resistance. Other chips use topological qubits, based on combinations of conductors and superconductors that, under special conditions, can produce a topological phase: creating material capable of conducting electricity in specific regions, such as at the edges of the conductor, while other areas remain insulated. This capability allows for reduced external disturbances or collapse.
These developments rely on research in physics that has won Nobel Prizes: in 2025 for the development of superconducting-based devices, and in 2016 for the discovery of topological phases.