Beijing, August 30, 2025 — In a major leap forward for quantum computing, Tsinghua University and Jiuzhang Quantum Technology Co. Ltd. have announced the successful operation of Jiuzhang 4.0, a photonic quantum processor that has achieved quantum advantage. By processing 3050 photon detection events, the new system has surpassed classical computers in performing Gaussian boson sampling, a critical quantum task.
Jiuzhang 4.0: Breaking Barriers in Quantum Computing
The key achievement of Jiuzhang 4.0 lies in its ability to perform a photon sampling task that would take supercomputers 10⁴² years to simulate. Jiuzhang 4.0, on the other hand, completed it in a mere 25.6 microseconds. This quantum speedup demonstrates the true potential of photonic quantum computing, even in the presence of photon loss.
Dr. Li Wei, lead researcher at Tsinghua University, said:
“This is a major milestone in quantum computing, showing that photonic systems can achieve quantum advantage and that the future of quantum computing could very well lie in photonics.”
A New Benchmark for Photonic Quantum Computing
What sets Jiuzhang 4.0 apart from previous quantum processors is its robust photon detection system capable of working even when photons are lost during processing. This breakthrough is seen as a crucial step toward the scalability and stability required for large-scale quantum computing systems.
The Gaussian boson sampling method, used in Jiuzhang 4.0, is a form of quantum computation designed to showcase quantum advantage. The system demonstrated the ability to handle highly complex computations that classical computers struggle with, cementing the role of quantum systems in solving problems that were previously thought to be out of reach.
China’s Leadership in Quantum Computing
The success of Jiuzhang 4.0 reinforces China’s position as a leader in the global quantum computing race. The Chinese government has been investing heavily in quantum research, and this breakthrough brings the country closer to realizing fault-tolerant quantum hardware—a key goal for future quantum systems.
Researchers are optimistic that advancements like Jiuzhang 4.0 will soon enable real-world applications in fields such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, and drug discovery, paving the way for next-gen computational power.
The Road Ahead: Towards Quantum Supremacy
While Jiuzhang 4.0 has successfully demonstrated quantum advantage, the path to true quantum supremacy remains challenging. Researchers continue to work on improving the stability and error correction of quantum processors, essential for solving practical, large-scale problems.
The Jiuzhang 4.0 team remains optimistic about overcoming these hurdles and continues to push the boundaries of quantum computing.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Jiuzhang 4.0 demonstrated a quantum speedup with 3050 photons in 25.6 microseconds.
- The system outperforms classical supercomputers by a factor of 10⁴² years.
- This breakthrough places China at the forefront of quantum computing research.
- Photonic quantum computing shows promise for solving complex real-world problems.
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