Quantum Computing

The good, the bad and the future of Quantum Computing

Before we understand the magnitude if what quantum computing offers us, let’s take a step back for a brief history lesson to see where it all started.

• The first known computer dates back to as early as 200 BC – 70 BC.
• The word computer was first used in 1613 to describe a job.
• Charles Babbage invented three computers in his in his lifetime between 1822 – 1849
• The word computer was first used for the first time in 1897 to describe a machine.
• Alan Turing invented computer science in 1936
• The ENIAC (1945) was the first electronic general-purpose digital computer; it filled a room.
• The Micral N was the world’s first “personal computer” (1973)
• The Epson HX-20 (1981) was the world’s first laptop, although today it would not be recognized as such.
• The first Mac debuted in 1984.
• Quantum computers were first proposed in the 1980s by Richard Feynman and Yuri Manin, but it was not until 1998 that Isaac Chuang, Neil Gershenfeld and Mark Kubinec created the first quantum computer loaded with data and output a solution.

Today quantum computing has evolved with many corporations taking great interest in its application. Some have successfully used quantum computing such as Mercedes Benz, who has explored its usage to create improved batteries for electric cars, but for many the use of this invention remains out of reach, at least for now. Now is the time to gain the knowledge of the potential that quantum computing has to offer across industries and gain first movers’ advantage when the time arrives.

The Spooky Action of Computing!

Computers have been a part of our lives for decades now and we see new breakthroughs every day. Even our mobile phones are now small computers, proving that the evolution of computing is inevitable. But what exactly are quantum computers and how can they impact people’s lives?

In order to understand them, we must first clarify the term quantum mechanics. Quantum computers are based on the principles of quantum theory and use the behaviors of quantum physics to find solutions to problems that regular and supercomputers cannot. While regular computers use 0s or 1s to operate, quantum computers use 1s and 0s simultaneously and gain superspeed with the help of qubits. But if this new era of computing is evolving, does that mean that we will have quantum phones one day?

According to scientists, not in the near future! We are probably going to see breakthroughs in areas of science and technology, like new medical treatments or new types of batteries for electric cars. However, the technology is in its early stages, what scientists are calling the NISQ era (Noisy, Intermediate-Scale Quantum) and is used primarily for the development of quantum research and education. It will take some time to reach levels and application of commercial use but a small glimpse into the future suggests that quantum computing will enable business opportunities in terms optimizing investment strategies, improve encryption, discover new products and more.

Benefits of Quantum Computers

• Superspeed: They are significantly faster than regular computers and they are designed to solve complex tasks and calculations simultaneously. For that reason they are a great tool to develop encrypted technologies.
• Simulations & Transformation: Quantum computers can run complex calculations and they’re fast enough to be used to simulate more intricate systems than classical computers.The are able to process complex data, and they can therefor completely transform AI and machine learning into something way more advanced that we cannot even comprehend right now.

Difficulties of Quantum Computers

• Interference: No matter how advanced or fast quantum computers are, there are still problems that slow down processes posing a challenge for researchers and specialists in the field to solve through trial and error. One of these issues is interference, any type of disturbance can cause the collapse of the system, a process known as decoherence. Currently, they are kept in isolation and in temperatures as low as zero degrees, in order to stabilize the qubits. This poses a practical problem to utilizing quantum computers.
• Error correction:  Because these computers do not run with conventional methods but with qubits. Qubits aren’t digital data therefore cannot proceed in error correction. Even though error correction is essential in quantum computing, since even the slightest error can cause a collapse, it is something that scientists try to resolve. There has been significant progress recently with the development of error correction algorithms, but we are still far away from the solution.
  
  

What are qubits?

They are also known as quantum bits and use superposition to be in multiple states at one time. In other words they can be 0 and 1 at the same time. But what are they made of ? These qubits are made of materials that can vary depending on the quantum system, they can be made from trapped ions, photons, artificial or real atoms..

Superposition-More like Schrödinger’s Position!

Many people find it easier to understand superposition, when scientists parallel the process with Schrödinger’s cat theory. Because just like Schrödinger’s cat or a coin that is flipped in the air, you have the probability of discovering either 0 or 1 when a qubit is read out. Simply put, this is what makes qubits special and what differentiates regular computers with quantum ones. Therefore, superposition can be mathematically both 0 and 1 and with the help of quantum algorithms, qubits can shortcut calculations, making them extremely fast, leaving conventional computers far behind in the digital race!

The reason why there is not a widespread use of quantum computers is because qubits are super sensitive to environmental changes and also high maintenance, which makes them difficult and expensive to maintain. Some companies (like Microsoft, Google, IBM), have invested in these machines that have demonstrated promising capabilities by implementing quantum computing into their products and services.

A quick quantum theory lesson: Schrödinger’s Cat, as a thought experiment, states that if you seal a cat in a box with something that can eventually kill it, you won’t know if the cat is alive or dead until you open the box.

What is entanglement?

Entanglement in quantum theory is when a change occurs in one particle, another particle will change in the exact same way even if they are far away from each other. That is why Einstein called entanglement ‘’spooky action at a distance’’! In quantum computing in particular, when two qubits in a superposition are entangled, certain changes on one have instant effects on the other, which makes quantum algorithms more powerful than conventional ones.

What the future holds for Quantum Computers?

Even though quantum computing is still in the early stages of its development, what scientists call the NISQ era, tech companies are investing in these machines and the future capabilities that they offer. Researchers are focusing for example on chemistry simulations, trying to figure out how to make their qubits interact like electrons in a molecule. Something really important for the creation of new drugs and cures. Car companies believe that with the help of these computers they may find a way to improve battery chemistry for electric cars, making them long lasting. Big tech companies are already focusing on cryptography and encryption systems that are compatible with quantum computers, as well as, advanced algorithms that can help with error correction. Even right now IBM, Google and Microsoft, have created open-source tools for developers to familiarize themselves with this type of technology.

The future appears to be promising for quantum computing and we can only be excited with the possibilities and changes it will bring!