IBM & Google’s Quantum Supremacy

Quantum supremacy refers to the point where a quantum computer can perform a task that is practically impossible for classical computers to complete in a reasonable time. Both IBM and Google have played significant roles in the advancement of quantum computing, but they have differing views on quantum supremacy.

Google’s Quantum Supremacy Claim (2019)

In 2019, Google announced that its 53-qubit quantum processor, Sycamore, had achieved quantum supremacy. Their experiment involved solving a complex random number problem (a quantum circuit sampling problem) in 200 seconds, which they claimed would take the most powerful supercomputer 10,000 years to complete. This was a major milestone in quantum computing.

IBM’s Response

IBM, a key competitor in quantum computing, challenged Google’s claim, arguing that the problem Google solved was very specific and not practically useful. IBM also claimed that using an optimized classical algorithm, a supercomputer could solve the same problem in a few days instead of 10,000 years, meaning quantum supremacy was not definitively achieved.

Key Differences in Their Approaches

• Google focuses on proving that quantum computers can outperform classical ones in specific tasks.
• IBM emphasizes quantum advantage, where quantum computers solve real-world problems more efficiently than classical computers.

Current Developments

• IBM has developed its Eagle (127-qubit) and Osprey (433-qubit) processors and aims for 1,000+ qubits in the coming years.
• Google is working on error correction and scaling quantum systems for practical applications.

While Google's quantum supremacy claim was a landmark event, IBM and others argue that practical quantum computing is still in its early stages. The real challenge ahead is to create fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of solving real-world problems.
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