Quantinuum Unveils Helios, a Breakthrough Quantum Computer with Enhanced Error Correction

Quantinuum, a US- and UK-based company, unveiled Helios, its third-generation quantum computer, which includes expanded computing power and error correction capability. The new machine was unveiled at Quantinuum's facility in Colorado. Helios is an important step forward in the company's roadmap for scaling up its technology, according to Jennifer Strabley, vice president at Quantinuum. Strabley stated, "Helios is an important proof point in our roadmap about how well we scale to larger physical systems." Helios features a core chip containing 98 barium ions, which serve as the qubits that perform the actual computing. This is an increase from its predecessor, H2, which used 56 ytterbium ions. The machine also includes a myriad of components, such as mirrors, lasers, and optical fiber. Quantinuum's technology uses individual ions as qubits, which could be easier to scale up than quantum computers that use superconducting circuits as qubits, such as those developed by Google and IBM. Quantinuum's technology has the potential to make error correction simpler, a significant challenge in the development of quantum computers. Error correction is a critical issue in quantum computing, as even small errors can quickly accumulate and render the results useless. Quantinuum's approach to using individual ions as qubits may provide a solution to this problem, allowing for more accurate and reliable results. Quantinuum formed in 2021 from the merger of Honeywell Quantum Solutions and Cambridge Quantum. Honeywell remains the majority owner of the company. The development of Helios is an important milestone in the company's roadmap for scaling up its technology. Strabley stated, "We are excited about the progress we are making and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with quantum computing." While Helios is not powerful enough to execute the industry's dream money-making algorithms, such as those that would be useful for materials discovery or financial modeling, it represents an important step forward in the development of quantum computers. The company's technology has the potential to make a significant impact in a variety of fields, including materials science, chemistry, and cryptography. Quantinuum's facility in Colorado will continue to be the site of research and development for the company's quantum computing technology. The company plans to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with quantum computing, with a focus on scaling up its technology and making it more accessible to a wider range of users.