Scientists doubt Microsoft’s new state of matter claims

Microsoft's recent claims about a breakthrough in quantum computing have raised skepticism among physicists. The tech giant announced it may have created a new state of matter, but many experts are wary of the findings. This skepticism stems from Microsoft's past claims that were later discredited. The company's new research paper published in Nature has been met with criticism for lacking crucial data. Some scientists argue that Microsoft’s team did not provide enough evidence to support the possibility of a workable quantum computer based on their findings. This is not the first time Microsoft faced backlash. In 2018, it published a paper claiming to detect special quasiparticles called Majorana zero-modes, but that paper was retracted after scrutiny from independent experts. Concerns about Microsoft's latest claims include the absence of a specific test they should have conducted to confirm the existence of these quasiparticles. Critics, including physicists like Henry Legg, argue that the flawed test undermines the foundation of their proposed quantum technology. Other scientists have voiced their frustration, suggesting that unreliable claims could distract from genuine research efforts. Despite the criticism, Microsoft remains firm in its assertions. Researchers, including Chetan Nayak, have noted progress with their topological qubits, which are key to their proposed chips. At a recent physics summit, Nayak expressed confidence that his team has made significant strides, saying they have only revealed a small portion of their work.