Oxford quantum computing professor Simon Benjamin explains how topological codes made quantum error correction viable using only nearest-neighbor qubit interactions.
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Benjamin: Theorists have found no useful application for a 64-qubit quantum computer
“The theorists have not worked out anything that a 64 qubit quantum computer can do that's super useful.”
Disclosure
Benjamin's team plans to scale using networked five-qubit modular units
“We actually are planning to build a machine, which will be made out of modules, which each one is a small quantum computer, and by the way, so small that on its own, it's not good for anything. Even as few as five qubits, right? And then we have modules, and w…”
Opinion
Benjamin: Modular architecture is the only viable route to rapid quantum scaling
“And in fact, this network approach is, I think the only one that if you wanted to Manhattan project it, right, or moonshot it, you're one of these big projects that have happened in the past where you have a goal that's extremely challenging and you just decid…”
Opinion
Benjamin: Ion traps are the gold standard of qubits
“So they are actually the gold standard of qubits.”
Insight
Benjamin: Quantum applications needing fewer than 50 qubits can be simulated classically
“There's no point, if you think you've got a clever idea for what to use a quantum computer for, and that's going to change the world, if your idea involves much less than 50 qubits, you're wrong. Because, ah, you may have a very nice idea, but what we would do…”
Prediction Held up
Benjamin: 50-qubit supremacy devices will launch within a year but lack practical utility
“On the other hand, what we believe is about to happen in the coming year is that people will start to bring out qubits, ah, sorry quantum devices that are at or just a little bit over the quantum supremacy threshold. This number, a lot of people are racing to …”