Chinese Scientists Set 3,050-Photon Quantum Record With Jiuzhang 4.0
Updated
Updated · Global Times · May 13
Chinese Scientists Set 3,050-Photon Quantum Record With Jiuzhang 4.0
5 articles · Updated · Global Times · May 13
Jiuzhang 4.0 manipulated and detected quantum states of up to 3,050 photons, setting a new world record in optical quantum information technology, according to a Nature study published Wednesday.
USTC researchers said the programmable prototype solved the Gaussian boson sampling problem at a speed more than 10^54 times that of the world's most powerful supercomputer.
The result marks a sharp jump from Jiuzhang 3.0, which handled 255 photons, underscoring the scale of the latest advance in China's optical quantum computing research.
Beyond solving a niche problem, what real-world applications can this record-breaking quantum computer tackle now?
With this massive speed leap, how has China accelerated the global timeline for breaking today's encryption?
China’s Jiuzhang 4.0 Shatters Quantum Computing Records with 3,050-Photon Milestone
Overview
On May 13, 2026, Chinese scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China set a new world record in quantum computing with Jiuzhang 4.0. This programmable quantum prototype uses advanced optical quantum information technology to manipulate and detect 3,050 photons, a huge leap from the previous Jiuzhang 3.0’s 255 photons. The breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of practical quantum computation, demonstrating unprecedented capabilities and highlighting China’s leading role in the global quantum race. Jiuzhang 4.0’s achievements showcase the rapid progress and potential of photonic quantum computing.