International Business Machines (IBM) has unveiled its newest and most powerful microchip designed to power quantum computers.
The processor is called the “Nighthawk r3.” IBM names all of its quantum microchips after birds.
The new chip is capable of supporting 10,000 quantum operations across 520 programmable qubits. That’s a big leap forward from 120 qubits on its current quantum processors.
IBM said that the increased power will allow its quantum computers to manage larger, more complex computations while maintaining fast speeds.
The company stopped short of announcing a launch date for the Nighthawk r3 chip. However, its unveiling comes as IBM creates increasingly powerful quantum computers.
IBM and others have said that developing practical quantum computers capable of real-world applications will require more powerful interconnected microchips.
The hope is that powerful quantum computers will be able to help solve issues ranging from medical and healthcare problems to science-related inquiries.
IBM is participating in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a campus under construction on Chicago’s South Side where several other quantum developers will operate.
IBM stock is down 22% over the last 12 months and trading at $244.53 U.S. per share.
