Inside Microsoft’s Majorana 1 and the birth of a new state of matter in quantum computing

What’s all the hype about?

To understand what makes Majorana 1 special, it helps to know a little about quantum computing. Unlike regular computers that use bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in many states at once (thanks to quantum mechanics). This gives them the ability to perform calculations much faster and more efficiently than traditional machines.

But there’s a major hurdle with quantum computing: qubits are fragile. External factors like temperature, noise, or even slight vibrations can interfere with them, causing errors. In fact, making sure quantum computers stay stable and error-free is one of the biggest challenges in scaling them up for real-world applications.

Enter Topological Core Architecture.

What is Topological Core Architecture (TCA)?

TCA is an entirely new approach to quantum computing. Traditional quantum computers use superconducting qubits, which are extremely sensitive and require complex error-correction systems. TCA, however, uses topological qubits, which are inherently more stable and less prone to interference. This makes the system more robust, reducing the need for constant error correction.

By using these topological qubits, Microsoft aims to create a scalable quantum system, where more qubits can be added without drastically increasing the risk of errors.

How was the Majorana 1 chip built?

First theorised nearly a century ago by Italian physicist Ettore Majorana, Majorana fermions are particles that are their own anti-particles. It took over 20 years of research, combining materials science, quantum physics, and semiconductor engineering.

The chip uses a digital control system instead of the traditional analogue control. This is significant because it simplifies quantum computing and reduces the complexity of managing qubits.

To build the Majorana 1, Microsoft’s engineers created a brand-new materials stack using indium arsenide and aluminium. These materials are engineered atom by atom, a process that allows for extreme precision at the quantum level. The end result is a chip that can operate in extremely low temperatures, which are necessary for quantum computing. The company has placed eight topological qubits on a chip designed to scale to one million.

However, scaling up this chip for mass production is still a work in progress.

Microsoft partnered with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders to develop this technology. One key partner is DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), which has been exploring quantum computing applications for defence and national security.

What could it solve?

The Majorana 1 chip could be used to tackle problems that are impossible for today's supercomputers. Here’s how:

Materials science: Quantum computers can simulate molecular and atomic behaviour more accurately than classical computers, helping to discover new materials or improve existing ones. For example, high-temperature superconductors could revolutionize industries like aerospace, electronics, and energy.

Artificial intelligence (AI): Quantum computing could help optimise AI algorithms, making machine learning models faster and more efficient. This would improve everything from speech recognition to deep learning.

Environmental solutions: Quantum computing could help us solve problems related to pollution. For example, scientists could design new materials that break down plastics (including microplastics) into valuable byproducts.

Healthcare & agriculture: Quantum-powered simulations could improve enzyme modelling to enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields, and boost sustainable food production—especially in challenging climates.

What next?

Microsoft’s next step is focused on building a scalable system using a single-qubit device called a Tetron.

This qubit will leverage topological properties to resist errors, a key challenge in quantum computing.

Subsequently, by measuring its quantum state with extreme precision, researchers have successfully shown measurement-based control.

“The Microsoft team’s new measurement approach is so precise it can detect the difference between one billion and one billion and one electrons in a superconducting wire – which tells the computer what state the qubit is in and forms the basis for quantum computation,” company said.

Further, Microsoft now wants to move toward an eight-qubit system. The team will implement error detection for two logical qubits, reducing the number of physical qubits needed for reliable quantum operations, and making large-scale quantum computing more feasible.