Building the Azure Quantum machine
From breakthroughs in physics and nanomaterials to seamless integration with Azure, Microsoft is leading the way to scalable, accessible quantum computing
A new breakthrough in quantum computing
The Microsoft Azure Quantum team has achieved a key scientific breakthrough that removes the biggest obstacle to developing a topological qubit—a major step towards creating a scalable quantum computer that will launch a new generation of computing capabilities for Azure customers.
Explore the Azure Quantum stack
Building a truly scalable quantum computer involves creating raw materials for topological quantum devices, fabricating cold electronics and refrigeration systems, and developing overall infrastructure. The Azure Quantum stack provides everything needed to programme a quantum computer, including a control system, software, development tools and Azure services.
Development tools
Start developing with the Quantum Development Kit, a set of enterprise-grade tools to build, debug, and optimise quantum apps and algorithms.
Learn moreExplore a diverse selection of today’s quantum hardware, software, and solutions with Azure Quantum: an open ecosystem of quantum technologies for developers, businesses, and researchers to build and deploy solutions at scale.
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Operation and control
The runtime layer is a quantum computer’s firmware and operating system. It executes a quantum algorithm while maintaining the machine’s state, operating the control system in a parallel real-time environment, and communicating to the outside world.
The control layer sends and receives signals to nanoscale devices. The Microsoft approach uses classical integrated circuits to run at cryogenic temperatures that standard chips won't operate at, with wiring that handles signals in the super-conducting regime. The entire infrastructure, including the cooling system, is integrated to allow for scalability.
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Devices and materials
Microsoft runs several labs around the world that specialise in fabricating quantum devices, which operate at temperatures almost 200 times colder than the farthest reaches of outer space. The infrastructure enables the efficient mounting, wiring and cooling of these devices to support rapid prototyping, characterisation and exploration.
Topological qubits are built to automatically protect the information they hold and process. This offers vast performance gains over conventional qubits, increases stability, reduces the overall qubits needed, and makes scalability possible.
To achieve a truly scalable quantum system, Microsoft creates the raw materials necessary to make topological quantum devices. Microsoft grows specialised nanowires that are used to make qubits and creates atomically thin conducting layers with exotic topological properties using integrated-circuit manufacturing techniques.
Advancing quantum computing
Microsoft's advancements in next-generation quantum computing devices will ultimately empower customers to realise the full promise of quantum to solve society's largest, most complex challenges. Now with the building blocks of a topological qubit – a new qubit that will be faster, smaller and more reliable than other qubits – Microsoft is ready to take the final step in building a fully scalable, highly secure, next-generation quantum computer.
In the meantime, Microsoft is making the first-generation quantum experiences better and more robust with the Azure Quantum application platform and third-party hardware partners. Come join us as we unlock new possibilities and discover the full potential of quantum.
Read the latest Azure Quantum research, news, and blogs
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Explore research updates
Get the latest quantum computer news, studies, interviews, and webinars from Microsoft researchers.
Achieving scalability in quantum computing
Read about how to build a quantum computer in the real world.
Myth vs reality: A practical perspective on quantum computing
Explore the practicality of quantum computers.
Join the Azure Quantum Network
Learn about the Microsoft global partner ecosystem.
Explore research careers with Microsoft
See job listings for Microsoft quantum computing research teams.