Awaiting the Big Promise of Quantum Computers

Page 1

Awaiting the Big Promises of Quantum Computers themindguild.com/awaiting-the-big-promises-of-quantum-computers October 30, 2018

Whenever we hear discussion about quantum computers, it seems like we are making a quantum leap into a science-fiction movie. Society is definitely on the brink of achieving computer technology that is defying logic. These days, the transistors installed in computers are about as tiny as our technology will allow. Thus, computer technology innovators started seeking potential solutions at both the atomic and subatomic levels in a new field called quantum computing. Industry leaders have been rushing to create and usher in a quantum computer and make it available to the public. Quantum computers will provide new powerful computing capability to solve problems that current classical computers cannot.

Basis for Quantum Computing Quantum physics has both amazed mankind and defied logic ever since the atom was studied the first time during the beginning of 20th century. As we have learned, it seems that atoms do not obey the normal laws of physics. Quantum particles can actually travel backward or forward in time, they can exist in two places at the same time and even “teleport.” It is these odd behaviors that quantum computers will utilize to their advantage. Classical computing uses zeroes and ones to blast through numerous operations, but quantum computers are using quantum bits or qubits. Just like classical computing, quantum computers will also use zeroes and ones, but qubits feature a third state known as “superposition” which will allow them to represent a zero or a one simultaneously. Rather than analyzing a zero or one sequentially, a superposition will allow two qubits to represent four different scenarios at the same time. Thus, the time required for crunching a data set is greatly reduced. Each and every day we volumes of data are created. In order to process all of it and to interpret its meaning, we need substantially more computing power. This is where we are expecting quantum computers to save the day. Listed below are some of the latest developments in quantum computers:

1/3


6 Things Quantum Computers Will Be Incredibly Useful For While the power of quantum computing is impressive, it does not mean that existing software simply runs a billion times faster. Rather, quantum computers have certain types of problems which they are good at solving, and those which they aren’t. Below are some of the primary applications we should expect to see as this next generation of computers becomes commercially available. 6 Things Quantum Computers Will Be Incredibly Useful For

Quantum computing comes out of the closet You might need an advanced degree to fully grok the spooky science of quantum physics. With the state of subatomic particles, such as the polarization of a photon, in constant flux, that particle is essentially in multiple states at the same time. Building a computer around that phenomenon means that each data bit, instead of being a zero or a one at any given moment, can be both a zero and a one. Quantum computing comes out of the closet

3 of Nature’s Greatest Mysteries May Be Solved Thanks to Quantum Biology Quantum mechanics is known for weird occurrences and bizarre outcomes. Consider superposition where a particle can be in two places at once, while also occurring in two different states—as a particle and a wave. What about quantum tunneling where a particle can pass through a solid object like a ghost. Or quantum entanglement where two particles form a relationship, be they an inch apart or a thousand light-years away. One particle might also vanish from one area, only to pop up in another. Einstein called this, “Spooky action at a distance.” 3 of Nature’s Greatest Mysteries May Be Solved Thanks to Quantum Biology – Big Think

2/3


IBM just proved quantum computers can do things impossible for classical ones The field of quantum computing may be decades from producing something that changes “everything� in the way that media hype and marketing teams would have us all believe. But proof of quantum advantage is the guarantee that this research is going to pay off some day. IBM just proved quantum computers can do things impossible for classical ones Edit

3/3


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.