Microsoft Unveils Its First Quantum Computer Chip

Technology giant Microsoft (MSFT) has unveiled its first quantum computing chip. Called “Majorana 1,” the chip was reportedly developed over two decades of research and involved what Microsoft is calling an entirely new state of matter known as “topological state.”The new quantum chip employs eight topological qubits using indium arsenide, which is a semiconductor, and aluminum, which is a superconductor.The Majorana 1 quantum chip and topological state are so new and unique that a scientific paper published in the journal “Nature” is used to explain the chip and new matter state.Technologists believe that quantum computers could one day solve problems that are impossible for today’s traditional computers. Other technology companies, including Alphabet (GOOGL) and IBM (IBM), have also developed quantum processors in recent years. Microsoft won’t be allowing clients to use its Majorana 1 quantum chip through its Azure public cloud as it plans to do with its custom artificial intelligence (A.I.) microchip called “Maia 100.” Instead, the Majorana 1 chip is a first step in the company’s goal of placing a million qubits on a single microchip. Microsoft said it also plans to manufacture the components of Majorana 1 by itself in the U.S. Additionally, the company said it will engage with national laboratories and universities on research using the Majorana 1 chip. In a blog post, Microsoft said that quantum computers could be used one day to build data used to train A.I. models.The stock of Microsoft has risen 3% in the last 12 months to trade at $414.77 U.S. per share.