These days, quantum computing is occupying a huge space in technology discussions and research, due in large part to the ambiguity of many related concepts. This article will provide clarity on the definition, current performance and future perception regarding this topic.
What is a Quantum Computer?
A quantum computer utilizes ethereal quantum mechanical phenomena to significantly enhance processing speed, surpassing even the most advanced supercomputers.
However, quantum computers won't make standard computers obsolete. The most practical and cost-effective way to solve the majority of problems will continue to be through the use of traditional machines. Nevertheless, quantum computers are expected to drive promising advancements across a wide range of domains, including materials science and pharmaceutical research.
Companies are already experimenting with quantum technology to develop new treatments and build lighter and more powerful batteries for electric cars. The power of a quantum computer lies in its ability to generate and manipulate quantum bits, or qubits.
Is Such Advancement Real?
Yes, quantum computers exist. However, while based on an effective theoretical framework, these initial models are complete in their current accuracy but do not take into account their full potential.
Applications of Quantum Computing
One promising use of quantum computing is the simulation of the behavior of matter at the molecular level. For example, pharmaceutical companies employ quantum computers to analyze and compare chemicals that might result in the development of new medications.
Quantum computers are also excellent at solving optimization problems, as they can quickly evaluate a vast number of alternative solutions. Airbus uses the technology to determine optimal ascent and descent trajectories for its aircraft, using the least amount of fuel.
Some researchers believe that the devices could accelerate artificial intelligence, a timely topic today.
Impact on the Future of Computing
For extremely specialized applications, quantum computing has the potential to be a significant leap forward in computing technology. However, experts are divided on whether quantum computers will replace their conventional counterparts. The logistics and costs associated with running quantum computers are expected to exceed what typical consumers are willing to pay, given that quantum computing operates at temperatures just above absolute zero and garners substantial costs accordingly. Additionally, the capabilities provided by quantum computing will most often exceed the requirements of a typical company.
It is much more likely that quantum computers will emerge as a third branch of computing power, with classical desktops continuing to be used in the more routine applications of daily life. Classical supercomputers are widely employed, and quantum computers are becoming increasingly accessible for specialized research in fields like pharmacology and meteorology.
One might argue that quantum computers are a bad idea — that the risks outweigh the benefits. But years of study have not yet produced a device that can start the anticipated computing revolution. However, supporters remain unconcerned because progress is occurring more smoothly than anticipated.
If the hype is to be believed, computers harnessing the peculiar behaviors of the atomic realm could expedite the development of new drugs, break encryption, facilitate financial transactions, enhance machine learning, create revolutionary materials and even combat climate change. Surprisingly, these claims are now sounding more plausible and perhaps even conservative in their estimations.
A computational mathematician asserts that, with the necessary time and resources, the quantum sweet spot could yield results more remarkable than anything we can currently envision. "The short-term hype is a little bit high," but the long-term impact is still unknown.
The Hope of the Quantum
Quantum computing's advantages extend beyond mere calculations involving vast arrays of molecules. Finding the energies of both grounded and excited states of small photoactive molecules is one example of a small-scale but classically intractable computation that might soon be possible with a quantum machine. Achieving this could advance lithography techniques in semiconductor manufacturing and revolutionize drug design. Researchers in battery technology are also interested in replicating the singlet and triplet states of a single oxygen molecule.
Research teams’ efforts to mitigate quantum computing faults contribute to these benefits. These include error mitigation, which uses algorithms to reduce noise in a manner akin to noise-canceling headphones, and entanglement forging, which identifies areas of the quantum circuit that can be divided and simulated on a classical computer without compromising quantum information. The latter method, which essentially doubles the amount of quantum resources accessible, was just developed a few years ago.
In short, there are no barriers to having a quantum computer accessible to the public in the near future. Indeed, this revolutionary technology is set to replace practical tasks, tackle uncharted waters and shape our computing journey like never before.
