Quantum Advantage: Surpassing Classical Computers
The historical milestone where a quantum computer performs a calculation that is practically impossible for any classical supercomputer.
QWiki Team 1 min read
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Explore LabsDefinition
Quantum Advantage (historically called "Quantum Supremacy") refers to the demonstration that a programmable quantum device can solve a computational problem that is beyond the reach of the most powerful classical supercomputers within a reasonable timeframe.
Key Milestones
- Google Sycamore (2019): Google claimed quantum advantage using a 53-qubit superconducting processor called Sycamore. It performed a random circuit sampling calculation in 200 seconds, which they estimated would take a classical supercomputer 10,000 years.
- USTC Jiuzhang (2020): Demonstrated quantum advantage using a photonic quantum computer performing Boson Sampling.
- Subsequent Classical Counter-Claims: Classical researchers frequently design improved tensor-network simulation algorithms that reduce the classical computing time, leading to an ongoing race between quantum hardware and classical algorithms.
Beyond Toy Problems
Early demonstrations of quantum advantage focused on abstract, mathematically constructed tasks with no immediate practical application. Current research is directed at achieving practical quantum advantage—solving real-world problems in chemistry, optimization, or materials science faster or cheaper than classical alternatives.