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Physics

AI could assemble a record-breaking quantum computer out of cold atoms

A huge number of ultracold atoms have been corralled into a grid that could form the basis of the next largest quantum computer

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

14 January 2025

The right sequence of lasers can group qubits into a perfect grid

luchschenF/Shutterstock

Artificial intelligence could play a role in assembling the next largest quantum computer.

The world’s largest known quantum computer has 1180 quantum bits, or qubits, made from extremely cold, electrically neutral atoms. One of the prerequisites for making truly useful quantum computers is to make them bigger – to build them with more qubits. But the make-up of those qubits also matters, and when they are made from ultracold atoms, quantum computers only run calculations precisely when each atom is at just the right place…

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