Quantum computing is changing the course of science: An in-depth look at IBM's latest breakthrough

As the scientific community eagerly awaits larger and more powerful quantum computers, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and a group of researchers are trying to prove that these systems can already be put to use today. They have succeeded.

A preprint paper uploaded to the arXiv platform on Wednesday shows that IBM, in collaboration with two national laboratories and three universities, successfully simulated a process that is imperceptible to the naked eye but has practical applications in materials science using a quantum computer.

The researchers used neutron scattering techniques (which involve allowing a beam of neutrons to penetrate a sample) to measure the properties of magnetic crystals and directly compared the measurements with the simulation results run on an IBM quantum computer. Ultimately, the quantum processor successfully demonstrated the expected behavior patterns of the crystal.

If this description seems somewhat complex, consider the interpretation from the researchers themselves: physicist Alan S. Shay from Los Alamos National Laboratory stated that this achievement “raises the threshold of expectations regarding the capabilities of quantum computers.”

(Left: Neutron scattering experimental results; Right: IBM quantum computer simulation results) Image source: IBM

Material systems at the quantum level are extremely complex, making it difficult for traditional computers to model them. The successful completion of this task by a quantum computer marks a significant step, indicating that such systems are becoming powerful enough to aid in the development of new materials.

This also indirectly validates the promising application prospects of quantum technology in materials science—this discipline underpins nearly all modern inventions, from medical devices and semiconductors to batteries.

The application scenarios for quantum computing are gradually becoming clearer. Earlier this month, IBM released a blueprint for data centers, planning to integrate quantum computers with existing GPUs and CPUs. Beyond materials science, this technology is also expected to have a profound impact on the finance and pharmaceutical industries. Some optimistic industry insiders believe it could significantly reduce energy consumption for high-computational tasks.

Currently, industry experts and investors in the quantum field have adjusted their expectations. Before quantum computers can be considered truly “usable,” they must achieve widespread commercialization. To accomplish this, large-scale expansion is necessary.

Nevertheless, the capability demonstrated by IBM in its latest experiment was originally expected to be realized only when large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers appear—machines that can continue to operate normally even if individual components fail or are disrupted.

Just as traditional computers encode basic information using bits, quantum computers rely on quantum bits. However, there are key differences between the two: quantum bits (qubits) are typically generated by manipulating and measuring particles such as photons, electrons, or captured ions.

Moreover, unlike classical bits, qubits are particularly sensitive to environmental changes—any factor, from heat to electromagnetic interference, can disrupt their fragile quantum state, leading to computer malfunctions.

IBM’s own goal is to deliver its first fault-tolerant quantum supercomputer, codenamed “Starling,” by 2029, which is expected to have processing power that is 20,000 times that of today’s quantum computers.

Many changes may—and undoubtedly will—occur in the next three years. IBM’s latest experiment is just the beginning.