The tech giant teamed up with Atom Computing to create the next level of computing
Microsoft and Atom Computing have announced a breakthrough in quantum computing that could reshape blockchain mining, particularly in proof-of-work systems. The collaboration has resulted in the development of a quantum computing system with 24 entangled logical qubits, achieved using just 80 physical qubits. This milestone demonstrates unprecedented efficiency compared to previous methods, which required thousands of physical qubits to create a single logical qubit.
This progress has significant implications for blockchain networks like Bitcoin, where miners solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and add new blocks. These puzzles rely on SHA-256 encryption, a standard that quantum computers might one day disrupt.
Analysts suggest that quantum systems, leveraging algorithms like Grover’s Algorithm, could drastically speed up this process. Grover’s Algorithm theoretically offers a quadratic improvement over classical computing methods, potentially enabling quantum miners to outperform traditional setups.
Despite the excitement, the practical application of quantum computers in mining remains distant. Experts estimate that thousands of error-corrected logical qubits are needed to apply Grover’s Algorithm at scale. While Microsoft and Atom Computing’s achievement shifts expectations, the technology required for large-scale quantum mining is likely a decade or more away. Current projections suggest error-corrected quantum computers capable of surpassing classical systems might emerge between 10 and 50 years from now.
Microsoft and Atom Computing are actively pushing these boundaries. Atom Computing has announced plans to introduce a 1,000-qubit quantum computer by 2025, which could accelerate progress in this field. If realized, quantum computing may not only transform blockchain mining but also challenge existing data security protocols, paving the way for a new era in both technology and cryptography.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
