China recently achieved a domestic milestone in quantum computing with the launch of the ‘Tianyan-504’ superconducting quantum computer, equipped with the 504-qubit ‘Xiaohong’ chip.
The quantum computer, developed collaboratively by the China Telecom Quantum Group (CTQG), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and QuantumCTek Co., Ltd., represents a leap in the field.
This computer crosses the 500-qubit threshold, a measure of its capacity to process quantum information, and reaches 504, making a significant impact in the quantum industry.
Quantum computing uses qubits that exist in probabilistic states, enabling certain calculations to be performed more efficiently than on classical computers. The technology could benefit tasks such as cryptography, material simulation, and optimisation.
According to CTQG, the Xiaohong chip competes with international platforms like IBM, offering comparable performance in qubit lifetime—how long a quantum state can be maintained—and readout fidelity, which ensures accurate data extraction.
These metrics are essential for building reliable and scalable quantum systems.