Qubit
The basic unit of quantum information, analogous to a classical bit but able to exist in superposition, a combination of 0 and 1 simultaneously.
A qubit (quantum bit) is the fundamental unit of quantum information. A classical computer bit is always either 0 or 1. A qubit, governed by quantum mechanics, can exist in a superposition of 0 and 1 simultaneously, meaning it represents both states at once until it is measured.
This property enables quantum computers to explore many possible solutions simultaneously, giving them potential advantages for certain types of problems: molecular simulation, optimization, and cryptography, among others.
There are five major physical implementations of qubits currently in development: neutral atoms, trapped ions, superconducting circuits, photonic systems, and topological systems. Colorado companies have concentrated specifically on neutral atoms and trapped ions.
Colorado is home to leading companies across two qubit modalities. Atom Computing and Infleqtion build neutral atom qubits; Quantinuum builds trapped ion qubits. The diversity of approaches within one ecosystem is unusual globally.