A programmable quantum computing prototype, a new world record in optical quantum information technology, and manipulation of 3,050 photons

This is according to a study published in the journal Nature (May 14, 2026).

Chinese scientists have developed a programmable quantum computing prototype. It is called Jiuzhang 4.0. And it has set a new world record in the field of optical quantum information technology.

The team, led by the University of Science and Technology of China, used the prototype to solve a Gaussian boson sampling problem. The speed was more than 10⁵⁴ times faster than the world’s most powerful supercomputer.

The researchers managed to manipulate and detect quantum states of up to 3,050 photons. This is a significant leap from the 255 photons achieved with the previous Jiuzhang 3.0.

Current major technological paths for quantum computing include superconducting systems, ion traps, photonic systems and neutral atom systems. The Jiuzhang series of prototypes encode quantum bits using photons and perform quantum computations by manipulating and measuring these photons.

Since its successful completion in 2020, the series has undergone several upgrades. It has achieved “quantum computational advantage” and repeatedly set world records.

3,050 photons that obey scientists’ commands. A calculation that an ordinary computer would take longer to solve than the universe has existed. Jiuzhang 4.0 is not just a machine. It is proof that the quantum world is already here. It does not fit in our minds. But it works. China is turning light into computation. And doing it faster than anyone else. The question is not whether someone can catch up. The question is how soon a quantum computer will crack what was considered uncrackable. And what will then remain of our familiar security. For now, scientists are counting photons. But soon, photons will start counting for us. And then the game will change forever.