News Quantum Physics

Commercial quantum computer fails to impress in new test

D-Wave machine runs no faster than traditional computer in head-to-head challenge

QUANTUM BLACK BOX  The D-Wave Two quantum computer, seen here, solves problems with over 500 superconducting circuits called qubits chilled to 0.02 degrees Celsius above absolute zero.

Courtesy of D-Wave Systems Inc.

By Andrew Grant

- More than 2 years ago

A comprehensive new test that pits the performance of traditional computers against quantum ones reveals that the machine marketed as the first commercially available quantum computer holds no speed advantage in its ability to solve a certain type of problem.