Tech think tank: China’s Quantum Computing & Bionic Aircraft Milestones

Chinese scientists have reached a groundbreaking milestone in quantum computing with the development of “Jiuzhang 3.0.” Led by the distinguished quantum physicist Pan Jianwei,

the research team achieved a computing speed that outpaces traditional supercomputers by an astonishing 10 quadrillion times. This leap in quantum computing prowess is a significant step towards realizing the potential of quantum computers in solving complex problems. The breakthrough was published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

The Key to Quantum Supremacy: Gaussian Boson Sampling

To demonstrate quantum computational speedup effectively, the team employed Gaussian boson sampling (GBS), a problem that is practically impossible for classical computers to solve. Innovations such as a superconducting nanowire single-photon detection scheme and a fiber loop-based configuration contributed to achieving this milestone. “Jiuzhang 3.0” detected 255 photons, significantly enhancing the complexity of photonics quantum computing. The team utilized photon demultiplexing to achieve capabilities akin to photon number resolving.

Unprecedented Speed: A Quantum Leap Forward

“Jiuzhang 3.0” is a million times faster at solving GBS problems compared to its predecessor, “Jiuzhang 2.0.” The most complex GBS calculations that “Jiuzhang 3.0” can perform in one microsecond would take the world’s fastest supercomputer, “Frontier,” over 20 billion years to complete. This immense increase in computational speed demonstrates the potential of quantum computing to tackle problems with significant social and economic implications.

Quantum Computing’s Promise and Challenges

Quantum computing represents a new paradigm with the capability for incredibly fast parallel computation. It has the potential to achieve exponential speedup in solving complex problems compared to classical computers. Consequently, the development of quantum computers is one of the most significant challenges in the current scientific and technological landscape. Quantum supremacy, which denotes overwhelming quantum computational speedup, is a critical milestone on this journey.

China’s Quantum Computing Journey

In 2020, a research team from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) achieved a quantum computational advantage with the “Jiuzhang” quantum computer prototype, which detected up to 76 photons. Subsequent developments led to “Jiuzhang 2.0” with 113 detected photons and a 66-qubit programmable superconducting quantum computing system named “Zuchongzhi 2.1.” This places China at the forefront of quantum computing development, with achievements in both photonics and superconducting quantum computing technologies.

Bionic Aircraft Sets Flight Duration Record

In a separate technological feat, researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University in China achieved a significant milestone in the field of bionic aircraft. The “Xinge,” also known as the homing pigeon, set a new Guinness World Record by flying continuously for three hours, five minutes, and 30 seconds on a single charge. The “Xinge” has a smaller body and more compact wingspan than its predecessor, “Yunxiao.” The breakthrough opens new possibilities for the application of this bionic flapping-wing aircraft, which imitates the flight mode of birds and other creatures.

Future Applications and Advancements

The bionic aircraft’s remarkable achievement has broad implications for its practical use. It can be deployed for various purposes, including covert reconnaissance in complex environments, emergency rescue operations, and field biological scientific research. The increased flight time not only validates the aircraft’s performance but also accelerates its real-world applications, pushing the boundaries of what this technology can achieve.

In conclusion, China’s remarkable advancements in quantum computing and bionic aircraft technology demonstrate the nation’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific and technological innovation. These achievements have the potential to reshape various industries and contribute to solving complex problems in the modern world. China’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of technological innovation underscores its role as a global leader in scientific progress.