Quantum Computing with Google: Illustrating the Unimaginable
Quantum 101: What Exactly is a Qubit?
Let’s keep it simple. Quantum computing is powered by qubits, the quantum version of classical computing bits. So what is a qubit? A qubit might be any sub-atomic particle—such as an electron or photon. But unlike classical bits, which can be either 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to “superposition.” As you can imagine, this multitude of states vastly increases the computational power. And in in fact, a qubit doesn’t have to be a subatomic particle. IBM and Google use a ‘transom qubit’, or a superconducting electrical circuit made from aluminum. These electrical circuits are cooled to subfreezing temperatures, so that the entire circuit functions as one unit. Today’s quantum computers still have limitations, but every advancement with qubits brings us closer to realizing their world-changing potential. For us at SayoStudio, we get to illustrate topics that push the limits of imagination, like quantum entanglement, teleportation, and spin chains. These illustrations help communicate the essence of quantum discoveries to both technical and broader audiences.
Overcoming Quantum Challenges
The challenges in realizing a fully functional quantum computer can seem daunting—cooling systems, minimizing errors, and leveraging “quantum weirdness” for more efficient circuits. The Google Quantum AI team is focused on engineering solutions to these obstacles. Their research dives into cooling qubits, stabilizing magnetization, and achieving stable quantum correlations in multi-particle systems, like in their latest publication, Dynamics of Magnetization at Infinite Temperature in a Heisenberg Spin Chain (Science, 2024). Their team of mathematicians, material scientists, engineers and physicists push quantum boundaries every day, and their latest work also explores measurement-induced entanglement and teleportation, which brings us ever closer to scalable quantum processors.
Our Role: Translating Quantum Breakthroughs into Visuals
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Google Quantum AI is the collaboration itself. These scientists and mathematicians are not only brilliant but also incredibly patient, guiding us through concepts that feel abstract even to the most scientifically curious minds. Through this partnership, we’re able to capture the breakthroughs in imagery that reflects both the beauty and complexity of their work. From cooling qubits to manipulating quantum states, our illustrations aim to capture the ingenuity and impact of these advancements. And while the inner workings of quantum computers might remain mysterious to most, visuals can make these concepts just a bit more tangible, bringing us one step closer to a quantum future.Stay tuned—there’s much more to come!