Has a new photonic quantum computer vastly outpaced the fastest classical supercomputer?
Core argument: Chinese researchers say their JiuZhang 3 quantum prototype solved a complex mathematical problem within a millionth of a second, a task they say the US-built Frontier supercomputer would take over 20 billion years to complete.
Scientists in China say their latest quantum computer has solved an ultra-complicated mathematical problem within a millionth of a second-more than 20 billion years quicker than the world’s fastest supercomputer could achieve the same task. The JiuZhang 3 prototype also smashed the record set by its predecessor in the series, with a one million-fold increase in calculation speed, according to a paper published on Tuesday by the peer-reviewed journal Physical Review Letters. The fastest classical supercomputer Frontier-developed in the US and named the world’s most powerful in mid-2022 would take over 20 billion years to complete the same task, the researchers said.


