Manufacturing breakthrough paves the way for gigantic quantum computers

(Image credit: Rigetti Computing)

Quantum computers could soon be even larger than they already are thanks to a new manufacturing breakthrough from the full-stack quantum computing company Rigetti Computing.

The firm has announced the launch of the world's first multi-chip quantum processor which incorporates a proprietary modular architecture that solves some of the key scaling challenges associated with fault-tolerant quantum computers.

Rigetti Computing plans to build a quantum computer with 80 qubits powered by its multi-chip quantum processor later this year and make it available to customers on its Quantum Cloud Services platform.

Scaling quantum computers

There are a number of inherent challenges involved when it comes to scaling quantum computers. For instance, as chips increase in size, there is a higher likelihood of failure and lower manufacturing yield which makes it increasingly more difficult to produce high-quality devices.

Thankfully though, Rigetti Computing has managed to overcome these roadblocks by developing the technology necessary to connect multiple identical dies into a large-scale quantum processor. At the same time, this modular approach helps reduce manufacturing complexity and allows for accelerated and predictable scaling.

The company's multi-chip approach will enable future systems to scale in multiplicative ways and next-generation architectures currently in development at Rigetti include individual chips with more qubits as well as advanced technologies that will be used to connect more of these chips into larger processors.

We'll likely hear more on the performance of Rigetti Computing's multi-chip quantum processor once the company's new 80-qubit quantum computer is completed later this year.

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After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.