Part 3/9:
At its core, Willow is a product of Google’s ongoing advancements in quantum computing, which leverages the peculiar principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that classical computers simply cannot handle.
In quantum computing, the basic unit of information is known as a qubit. Unlike traditional bits, which can only represent 0 or 1, qubits can exist in a state of superposition, meaning they can simultaneously represent multiple values. This principle is akin to Schrödinger's cat, a thought experiment illustrating the nature of quantum states.
Willow is not merely about superposition; it significantly enhances computational power, enabling it to tackle more complex problems with extraordinary speed and efficiency.