What is a barrier to entry preventing quantum computing hardware from becoming more widely available?

 What is a barrier to entry preventing quantum computing hardware from becoming more widely available?

a) They are limited to solving only intractable problems.

b) They cost companies millions of dollars to manufacture.

c) They need to be kept at a constant temperature of 0°C.

d) They are not expected to save data for more than a year.

Answer: b) They cost companies millions of dollars to manufacture.

A significant barrier to entry preventing quantum computing hardware from becoming more widely available is the cost of manufacturing. Quantum computing hardware is extremely expensive to produce, with prices ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars. The high cost is due to the complexity of the technology involved, which requires extremely precise and delicate components that must be shielded from external noise and interference.

Additionally, quantum computing hardware is still in its early stages of development, and there are only a handful of companies worldwide that have the expertise and resources to produce it. This lack of competition and economies of scale further contribute to the high cost of quantum computing hardware. As a result, access to quantum computing is currently limited primarily to large research institutions, universities, and a small number of businesses that can afford to invest in the technology.