Researchers at the California Institute of Technology theorize that a functional quantum computer may require far fewer qubits than previously thought, making it feasible for the first quantum computer to be deployed before the end of the decade.

Silicon is ubiquitous in modern electronics, and now it is becoming increasingly useful in quantum computing. In particular, silicon's compatibility with existing chip technology and its long coherence times in silicon-based spin qubits make it a promising material for scalable quantum computing.

A method reduces the number of qubits needed for quantum computers, making practical machines possible sooner and affecting computing.

The research shows quantum computers may break bitcoin and ether wallet encryption with far fewer qubits than previously thought, accelerating the push toward post-quantum security.

Quantum computers of the future may be closer to reality thanks to new research from Caltech and Oratomic, a Caltech-linked start-up company. Theorists and experimentalists teamed up to develop a new approach for reducing the errors that riddle today's rudimentary quantum computers.

This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. Parts of the IBM Quantum System Two are displayed at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center on June 6, 2025 in Yorktown Heights, New York.