IonQ's Quantum Transistor: The Future of Quantum Computing

IonQ, a quantum computing startup, uses individual atoms as quantum transistors. Unlike other platforms, IonQ's qubits are isolated atoms that are naturally quantum. This allows them to scale without fabrication yield issues. While other technologies like superconducting qubits face challenges with thermal interference, IonQ's natural qubits remain stable. The company aims to build bigger and more powerful systems, focusing on higher quality qubits. IonQ is working on engineering challenges, such as integrating optics and achieving scalability, as well as hardware challenges like wiring qubits together with laser beams. The goal is to create quantum computers that can be connected in a network, paving the way for applications in fields like machine learning and optimization.