The Quest to Build a Quantum Computer

The road to large-scale quantum computing is long and hard, with incremental advances paving the way. But the destination is in sight.

- Dr.Magesh Kasthuri

Quantum computing stands at the cutting edge of modern technology, promising transformative advances in everything from cryptography to drug discovery. At the heart of this revolution is the hardware—the physical machinery that enables quantum computers to operate. The global race to build quantum computers is not just about speed or size; it is a contest to master the most delicate and challenging aspects of quantum physics, making it one of the most exciting frontiers in science and engineering.

From silicon to superconductors: The evolution of quantum hardware

Silicon has long been the backbone of classical computers, powering everything from laptops to supercomputers. When physicists and engineers first ventured into the world of quantum computing, it was natural to start with what they knew best—silicon. Early quantum devices attempted to adapt silicon transistors, hoping to harness quantum effects like superposition and entanglement within a familiar framework. While these initial attempts provided important insights and proved that quantum behaviour could be observed in solid-state systems, the limitations of silicon soon became apparent. Issues such as decoherence—where quantum states lose their delicate properties—posed significant challenges, making it difficult to maintain stable qubits for practical computations.