McGill x CXC

Modern electronics, such as those found in our computers, smartphones, and even televisions, are based on a component called a transistor. This component uses the so-called “classical” laws of physics. However, a major revolution is underway and could well replace today’s electronics in the near future.

This is the “quantum” revolution, where the physical laws governing atoms are used, and where the basic component is a quantum bit (qubit). The goal of this project is to implement a method patented at McGill University and currently acquired by industrial partner CXC to manufacture a qubit dedicated to a new type of quantum information: “topological” quantum computing.

Unlike qubits and quantum computers currently being developed by companies such as IBM and Google, topological qubits do not require error correction. By design, this type of qubit is immune to the harmful effects of quantum noise. While several qubits currently exist, all of them require error correction. As such, the experimental demonstration of the topological qubit would be a world first and would demonstrate a potentially more efficient solution for quantum computing.

In partnership with Montreal-based advanced technology acceleration and R&D firm CXC, the McGill Gervais Laboratory team will work hand in hand to optimize the intellectual property protection of all scientific advances, with the goal of positioning Quebec as a leader in the topological quantum computing sector.