Dramatic leap in quantum computing
- World Half Full
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
TECHNOLOGY
Researchers have achieved a major breakthrough in quantum computing that they say will dramatically improve data encryption, fairness, and security — a concrete step toward using quantum computers for practical tasks that are currently impossible with today’s supercomputers.
Using a 56-qubit* quantum computer, the US team from JPMorganChase, Quantinuum, Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and The University of Texas at Austin have successfully generated random numbers, and then used a supercomputer to verify the numbers were truly random and newly produced.
Quantum computers have been shown to possess computational power far beyond that offered by even the most powerful supercomputers. Supercomputers alone can’t generate truly random numbers, so they are typically combined with a hardware random-number generator. However, a bad actor could get hold of a random-number generator and use it to provide the computer with numbers that aren’t fully random, allowing them to then crack cryptographic codes, which could be potentially disastrous for online security. Using this new method, even if a bad actor got hold of the quantum computer, it would theoretically be impossible for them to manipulate the output and still be certified as random.
“This work marks a major milestone in quantum computing, demonstrating a solution to a real-world challenge using a quantum computer beyond the capabilities of classical supercomputers today,” says Marco Pistoia, Distinguished Engineer and head of Global Technology Applied Research at JPMorganChase. “This development of certified randomness not only shows advancements in quantum hardware, but will be vital to further research, statistical sampling, numerical simulations, and cryptography.”
Dr Rajeeb Hazra, president and CEO of Quantinuum adds, “Today, we celebrate a pivotal milestone that brings quantum computing firmly into the realm of practical, real-world applications. Our application of certified quantum randomness not only demonstrates the unmatched performance of our trapped-ion technology but sets a new standard for delivering robust quantum security and enabling advanced simulations across industries like finance, manufacturing, and beyond.”
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