What is quantum computing?
Quantum computers could give the incentive to the development of new breakthroughs in science and medications to save lives, machine learning methods to diagnose illnesses sooner, materials to make more efficient devices, equipment and structures, financial strategies to live well in retirement, and algorithms to quickly direct resources such as ambulances and other emergency services
A new kind of computing
We experience the benefits of classical computing every day. However, there are challenges that today’s systems will never be able to solve. For problems above a certain size and complexity and difficulty, we don’t have enough computational power on Earth to solve them.
To stand a chance at tackling some of these problems, we need a new and unique kind of computing. Universal quantum computers leverage the quantum mechanical phenomena of superposition and entanglement to create states that scale exponentially with number of quantum bits. One of the first and most promising application areas of quantum computing is Quantum chemistry.
Quantum computing fundamentals
All computing systems rely on a fundamental ability to store and manipulate information. Current computers manipulate individual bits, which store information as binary 0 and 1 states. Quantum computers leverage quantum mechanical phenomena to manipulate information. To do this, they rely on quantum bits, or qubits.
Inside a quantum computer
There are a few different methods to create a qubit. One method uses superconductivity to create and maintain a quantum state. To work with these superconducting qubits for extended periods of time, they must be kept very cold. Any heat in the system can introduce error, which is why quantum computers operate at temperatures close to absolute zero, colder than the vacuum of space.
How does a quantum computer work?
Quantum computers perform calculations based on the probability of an object’s state before it is measured – instead of just 1s or 0s – which means they have the potential to process exponentially more data compared to classical computers. Classical computers carry out logical operations using the definite position of a physical state. These are usually binary, meaning its operations are based on one of two positions. A single state – such as on or off, up or down, 1 or 0 – is called a bit.
In quantum computing, operations instead use the quantum state of an object to produce what’s known as a qubit. These states are the undefined properties of an object before they’ve been detected, such as the spin of an electron or the polarization of a photon. Rather than having a clear position, unmeasured quantum states occur in a mixed ‘superposition’, not unlike a coin spinning through the air before it lands in your hand. These superpositions can be entangled with those of other objects, meaning their final outcomes will be mathematically related even if we don’t know yet what they are.
The complex mathematics behind these unsettled states of entangled ‘spinning coins’ can be plugged into special algorithms to make short work of problems that would take a classical computer a long time to work out… if they could ever calculate them at all. Such algorithms would be useful in solving complex mathematical problems, producing hard-to-break security codes, or predicting multiple particle interactions in chemical reactions.
Types of quantum computers
Building a functional quantum computer requires holding an object in a superposition state long enough to carry out various processes on them. Unfortunately, once a superposition meets with materials that are part of a measured system, it loses its in-between state in what’s known as decoherence and becomes a boring old classical bit.
Devices need to be able to shield quantum states from decoherence, while still making them easy to read. Different processes are tackling this challenge from different angles, whether it’s to use more robust quantum processes or to find better ways to check for errors.
Applications of quantum computing
-
POST-QUANTUM
How it’s using quantum computing: To presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Google’s quantum milestone meant that “no code is uncrackable.” He was referring to a much-discussed notion that the unprecedented factorization power of quantum computers would severely undermine common internet encryption systems.
-
PROTEINQURE
How it’s using quantum computing: “The real excitement about quantum is that the universe fundamentally works in a quantum way, so you will be able to understand nature better,” Google’s Pichai told MIT Technology Review in the wake of his company’s recent announcement. “It’s early days, but where quantum mechanics shines is the ability to simulate molecules, molecular processes, and I think that is where it will be the strongest. Drug discovery is a great example.”
-
DAIMLER AG
How it’s using quantum computing: QCs’ potential to simulate quantum mechanics could be equally transformative in other chemistry-related realms beyond drug development. The auto industry, for example, wants to harness the technology to build better car batteries.
-
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
How it’s using quantum computing: Volkswagen’s exploration of optimization brings up a point worth emphasizing: Despite some common framing, the main breakthrough of quantum computing isn’t just the speed at which it will solve challenges, but the kinds of challenges it will solve.
-
JPMORGAN CHASE
How it’s using quantum computing: The list of partners that comprise Microsoft’s so-called Quantum Network includes a slew of research universities and quantum-focused technical outfits, but precious few business affiliates. However, two of the five — NatWest and Willis Towers Watson — are banking interests. Similarly, at IBM’s Q Network, JPMorgan Chase stands out amid a sea of tech-focused members as well as government and higher-ed research institutions.
Quantum computing is used my many other big and famous companies like IBM and Microsoft
Conclusion
For the time being, classical technology can manage any task thrown at a quantum computer. Quantum supremacy describes the ability of a quantum computer to outperform their classical counterparts.Some companies, such as IBM and Google, claim we might be close, as they continue to cram more qubits together and build more accurate devices.Not everybody is convinced that quantum computers are worth the effort. Some mathematicians believe there are obstacles that are practically impossible to overcome, putting quantum computing forever out of reach.
Time will tell who is right.
Refrences
- https://builtin.com/hardware/quantum-computing-applications
- https://www.sciencealert.com/quantum-computers
- https://www.ibm.com/quantum-computing/learn/what-is-quantum-computing/