Quantum Supremacy

Definition ∞ Quantum supremacy refers to the point where a quantum computer can perform a computational task that a classical computer cannot complete in any feasible timeframe. This milestone indicates a quantum machine’s ability to solve a specific problem exponentially faster than the most powerful conventional supercomputers. It represents a significant technological achievement, demonstrating the practical computational advantage of quantum mechanics for certain calculations. While not signifying that quantum computers can solve all problems, it validates the potential for future breakthroughs.
Context ∞ The achievement of quantum supremacy by several research groups has spurred intense debate about its implications for cryptography and various scientific fields. Discussions frequently concern the specific nature of the problems solved and the practical utility of current quantum systems beyond these benchmark tasks. Future developments will likely involve building more stable and error-corrected quantum computers, progressing towards fault-tolerant quantum computation.