Quantinuum Unveils Helios: Next-Gen Quantum Computer with Enhanced Error Correction

The US- and UK-based company Quantinuum today unveiled Helios, its third-generation quantum computer, which includes expanded computing power and error correction capability. The new system, located at Quantinuum's facility in Colorado, features a core chip containing 98 barium ions that serve as the qubits, which perform the actual computing. This marks a significant advancement in the company's efforts to scale up its quantum computing technology. According to Jennifer Strabley, vice president at Quantinuum, Helios is an important proof point in the company's roadmap for scaling to larger physical systems. "Our machines, which use individual ions as qubits, could be easier to scale up than quantum computers that use superconducting circuits as qubits, such as those developed by Google and IBM," Strabley said. Quantinuum's technology, which formed in 2021 from the merger of Honeywell Quantum Solutions and Cambridge Quantum, has the potential to simplify error correction, a major challenge in the development of quantum computers. Quantinuum's Helios system comprises a myriad of components, including mirrors, lasers, and optical fiber. Its predecessor, H2, used 56 ytterbium ions, but Helios has expanded its computing power by incorporating more barium ions. This increase in computing power is a significant step forward in the development of quantum computers, which have the potential to solve complex problems in fields such as materials science and financial modeling. Quantinuum's technology is not yet powerful enough to execute the industry's dream money-making algorithms, but the company's advancements in error correction and scaling could make its machines more competitive in the market. The development of quantum computers has been a major focus of research and development in recent years, with companies such as Google and IBM investing heavily in the technology. Quantinuum's majority owner, Honeywell, remains committed to the development of quantum computing technology. The company's investment in Helios and its predecessor systems demonstrates its commitment to advancing the field and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with quantum computing. As the quantum computing industry continues to evolve, companies like Quantinuum are working to overcome the challenges of scaling up their technology. With the development of Helios, Quantinuum has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to create a more powerful and reliable quantum computer. The company's advancements in error correction and scaling could have a major impact on the development of quantum computing and its potential applications in fields such as materials science and financial modeling.