Chronology of some of the key developments in quantum computing research over the past few decades.
- 1981: Richard Feynman proposes the idea of a quantum computer as a way to simulate quantum systems.
- 1982: Paul Benioff proposes a quantum mechanical model of a Turing machine.
- 1985: David Deutsch proposes the first quantum algorithm, which is designed to solve the problem of simulating quantum systems.
- 1986: David Deutsch develops the concept of a universal quantum computer.
- 1988: Charles Bennett and Gilles Brassard develop quantum key distribution (QKD), a method of secure communication using quantum cryptography.
- 1991: Peter Shor discovers an algorithm for factoring large numbers using a quantum computer, which has significant implications for cryptography.
- 1994: Peter Shor publishes his algorithm for factoring large numbers in polynomial time.
- 1995: The first experimental demonstration of a quantum algorithm is carried out using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology.
- 1996: The first quantum teleportation experiment is carried out, demonstrating the possibility of transmitting quantum information over long distances.
- 1998: The first stable, controllable qubits (quantum bits) are developed using ion trap technology.
- 2000: Researchers at IBM demonstrate a 2-qubit quantum computer using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology.
- 2001: The first successful implementation of Shor’s algorithm for factoring a small number is carried out using a 7-qubit quantum computer.
- 2005: The first 12-qubit quantum computer is developed using ion trap technology.
- 2007: The first quantum error correction code is proposed, which allows for the correction of errors that occur during quantum computations.
- 2011: The D-Wave One, a commercial quantum computer, is released.
- 2012: Researchers at the University of Bristol demonstrate the first all-photonic quantum computer.
- 2014: Researchers at the University of New South Wales demonstrate the first single-qubit gate in silicon.
- 2015: Researchers at MIT and Harvard University demonstrate a new type of qubit, called a “flip-flop qubit,” which could significantly improve the stability and scalability of quantum computers.
- 2016: Google announces that it has developed a 9-qubit quantum computer that can perform some calculations faster than a classical computer.
- 2017: IBM announces that it has developed a 50-qubit quantum computer, marking a significant milestone in the development of large-scale quantum computers.
- 2018: Google announces that it has developed a 72-qubit quantum computer.
- 2019: Researchers at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory develop a new type of qubit, called a “topological qubit,” which could be more robust than other types of qubits.
- 2020: Google announces that it has achieved “quantum supremacy,” meaning that its 53-qubit quantum computer has solved a problem that is beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
- 2021: IBM announces that it has developed a 127-qubit quantum computer.
