In a groundbreaking development that reinforces China’s growing prominence in the field of quantum computing, a research team from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has unveiled a powerful new quantum processor named Zuchongzhi-3, marking a significant leap in quantum supremacy.
Zuchongzhi-3 comprises 105 qubits, making it one of the most advanced quantum processors developed to date. It boasts a processing speed a quadrillion times faster than today’s most powerful classical supercomputers and a million times faster than Google’s most recent published quantum computing results.
This milestone is the latest in a series of achievements by the Chinese team, following the earlier versions Zuchongzhi-1 and Zuchongzhi-2, further solidifying China’s position as a leading force in quantum technology.
According to Asmaa Ali, a theoretical physicist and expert in quantum computing at Mansoura University in Egypt, “This is not just a giant leap in computing technology—it’s a fundamental transformation in our understanding of nature’s potential. Quantum computing is redefining what’s possible in information processing, artificial intelligence, and even the future of human civilization.”
Understanding the Quantum Advantage
To understand quantum computing’s uniqueness, imagine traditional computing as a process where every decision is based on bits—either 0 or 1—executed sequentially. Quantum computers, however, use quantum bits (qubits), which can be 0 and 1 at the same time, allowing them to perform numerous calculations simultaneously.
Ali explains, “There are fundamental limitations that prevent classical systems from matching quantum performance. Thanks to quantum superposition, a qubit can represent multiple states simultaneously, whereas classical bits are binary.”
Additionally, quantum computers utilize quantum entanglement—a phenomenon where qubits become interlinked, so the state of one instantly affects the other, even at great distances. This allows quantum systems to process information in ways classical computers cannot.
Another essential concept is quantum interference, which enhances the probability of correct answers while canceling out incorrect ones, improving accuracy in ways that classical systems cannot replicate.
A New Era in the Quantum Race
In 2019, Google claimed to achieve “quantum supremacy” with its Sycamore processor, which featured 53 qubits and completed a complex calculation in just 200 seconds—a task that would take classical computers about 10,000 years.
That breakthrough was unmatched until the Chinese team emerged as a formidable competitor, pushing boundaries further with the third iteration of Zuchongzhi.
Ali elaborates, “Quantum supremacy means the ability of a quantum computer to solve problems that are practically impossible for classical systems, even the most powerful ones.”
To illustrate this, the researchers tested Zuchongzhi-3 against top classical supercomputers like Frontier and Summit. The result? Problems that would take six billion years for those machines were solved by Zuchongzhi-3 within seconds, as published in Physical Review Letters.
The Genius of Zuchongzhi-3
One of the biggest challenges in quantum computing is managing noise, which can disrupt a quantum system’s delicate state. Ali explains, “Quantum processors are extremely sensitive to environmental interference. The key is to maintain qubit coherence and reduce external effects.”
Zuchongzhi-3 incorporates advanced materials and architectural designs that minimize noise and enhance qubit interconnectivity, leading to more reliable computations.
One of its standout achievements is a coherence time of 72 microseconds, enabling qubits to maintain their quantum state longer. Additionally, it achieves a 99.9% accuracy rate, reducing the need for extensive quantum error correction—a major stride toward stability and efficiency.
“These improvements make it possible to perform highly complex simulations, optimization problems, and breakthroughs in fields like AI and encryption,” says Ali. “It takes us one step closer to real-world quantum computing applications.”
Bridging Past and Future
Zuchongzhi-3 is named after the ancient Chinese mathematician Zuchongzhi, who made significant contributions to astronomy and mathematics, including an exceptionally accurate approximation of pi for his time.
“If Zuchongzhi could witness quantum computing today,” Ali reflects, “he would be astonished at how we’ve moved from deterministic calculations to probabilistic quantum logic, leveraging superposition and entanglement. What was once theoretical has become a force reshaping the boundaries of human knowledge.”
With this powerful achievement, the Chinese research team is already working on advancing quantum error correction and entanglement techniques to enhance processor performance even further. The future promises quantum applications beyond imagination, shaping a new global reality that will take time to fully comprehend.
