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Quantum Pioneer Chases Next Big Breakthrough
3 Feb
Summary
- Martinis's work on macroscopic quantumness underpins modern quantum computers.
- He led the Google team that achieved the first quantum supremacy.
- His new company, QoLab, aims for practical quantum computers with novel methods.
Physicist John Martinis, a central figure in quantum computing, is pursuing his next historic contribution to the field. His Nobel Prize-winning experiments in the 1980s demonstrated macroscopic quantumness, establishing the foundation for current superconducting qubits used by major tech companies.
Martinis later led Google's team in achieving quantum supremacy, a landmark feat. As he approaches 70, he co-founded QoLab in 2024 with a mission to create truly practical quantum computers.
QoLab is adopting a radically different approach, focusing on novel manufacturing techniques for quantum chips and integrated architectures to eliminate the complex wiring. Martinis believes current industry manufacturing methods are outdated and hinder scalability.
He aims to address fundamental hardware challenges, particularly noise and reliability, which have long plagued the field. Martinis is optimistic about applying quantum computing to solve complex problems in quantum chemistry and materials science.
