Everything Schroedinger's Cat wanted you to know about Quantum Computers, before it really dies...

That night, a storm raged outside.

The flashes of lightning through the skylight pulling me from sleep.

Then I saw them - two glowing yellow orbs, like eyes, staring down at me.

Schrodinger's cat.

Was he alive or dead?

The question danced in my mind, but ultimately felt irrelevant.

Those eyes, fixed upon me with an unsettling intensity, held a different meaning.

The meaning that it was time.

Time to finally delve into the fascinating world of quantum computing.

Imagine...

Imagine a computer capable of cracking the most sophisticated security codes in seconds, designing new materials with unimaginable properties, or simulating molecules with unparalleled precision.

This isn't science fiction.

It's the promise of quantum computers.

This new generation of machines harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations impossible for classical computers.

Unlike classical computers that rely on bits - represented by either 0 or 1 -quantum computers employ qubits.

Qubits possess the remarkable ability to exist in a superposition: they embody simultaneously both 0 and 1.

This unique property empowers quantum computers to execute parallel computations across a vast array of data. This provides them with an exponential increase in processing power compared to classical systems.

The stakes of quantum computing are immense. This technology could revolutionize fields like medicine, chemistry, materials science, artificial intelligence, and finance.

It could lead to the development of new drugs, more efficient batteries, groundbreaking transportation systems, and the breaking of artificial intelligence barriers.

However, quantum computer development is still in its early stages. Numerous technological challenges must be overcome before these machines can be deployed on a large scale.

Notably, more reliable qubits need to be developed, and effective quantum algorithms need to be created.

Despite these challenges, quantum computing is a rapidly growing field attracting keen interest from researchers, businesses, and governments worldwide. Investments in this area are rapidly increasing, and technological advancements are continuous.

There's no doubt that quantum computers will have a profound impact on our society in the years to come.

Let's dive in!

Limitless Computing Potential

Quantum computers promise to solve problems that are impossible for today's computers, opening doors to incredible new applications.

To unlock this potential, let's delve into the surprising laws of physics that make quantum computers so special.

Qubits: the cornerstones of quantum information

Unlike classical computers that store information in bits, represented by definitive 0s or 1s, quantum computers employ qubits.

Qubits harness the principles of quantum mechanics to exist in a superposition, simultaneously embodying both 0 and 1.

Imagine a spinning coin: in the classical world, it can only be heads or tails.

However, a qubit in superposition can be both heads and tails simultaneously, as if the coin is spinning infinitely fast.

This ability to represent multiple states concurrently enables quantum computers to explore an exponential number of possibilities in parallel, amplifying their computational might.

Quantum entanglement: an inseparable connection

Quantum entanglement is a mind-boggling phenomenon that binds two or more qubits together in an inseparable embrace.

When entangled, these qubits share a common fate, instantaneously and regardless of the distance that separates them.

Measuring the state of one entangled qubit instantly reveals the state of the others, as if an invisible force connects them.

Quantum algorithms: a new language for complex problems

Quantum algorithms, such as Shor's algorithm for factoring integers, exploit the unique properties of qubits to tackle problems that are intractable or excruciatingly slow for classical computers.

These algorithms open new frontiers in domains such as cryptography, quantum chemistry, and artificial intelligence.

Decoherence: the challenge of preserving quantum state

Imagine qubits as fragile bubbles holding special quantum information. This delicate state - called coherence - allows them to explore multiple possibilities at once.

Unfortunately, the outside world can easily pop these bubbles, causing the information to vanish.

Overcoming this challenge – mastering decoherence – is crucial for building robust and powerful quantum computers.

What about that cat?

Earlier in this article, I mentioned Schr?dinger's cat.

This cat wasn't Mr. Schr?dinger's beloved pet.

It is a thought paradox that relates to the principle of decoherence.

Let's see.

Schr?dinger proposed a scenario to illustrate the bizarre nature of the quantum world. Imagine a sealed box containing a radioactive source with a 50% chance of decaying within a set time. Inside the box are also a Geiger counter (to detect decay), a vial of poison, and a cat. If the counter detects decay, it triggers a mechanism that breaks the vial, releasing poison and killing the cat.

According to quantum mechanics, before we open the box, the radioactive source exists in a superposition of both decayed and non-decayed states. This means the cat, linked to the source's state, is also in a superposition – alive and dead at the same time.

Decoherence theory helps explain the apparent contradiction. When we open the box, the interaction between the source, counter, poison, and cat causes the system to "decohere."

In simpler terms, the quantum information about the source's superposition leaks out into the environment (the box and its contents). This interaction with the environment forces the cat into a definite state – either alive (if the source didn't decay) or dead (if it did).

In essence, decoherence explains why we don't observe superpositions in the macroscopic world. The moment a quantum system interacts with its surroundings, it loses its quantum coherence and behaves according to classical physics, where things are definitively one state or another.

A Tech Showdown

Forging a quantum future, researchers are battling it out with various qubit technologies.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Superconducting Qubits: Frontrunners, these qubits use near-frozen metal loops to store quantum information. Powerful but require extreme cold.
• Trapped Ion Qubits: Individual atoms held captive by electric fields encode information. Offer great control but scaling up is difficult.
• Neutral Atom Qubits: Cold atom clouds manipulated by lasers. Highly scalable but maintaining ultracold temperatures is a challenge.
• Topological Qubits: These qubits exploit exotic materials for error-resistant computation. Promising but creating these materials is still in its early stages.
• Photonic Qubits: Light particles themselves become qubits, enabling long-distance communication. Building large-scale machines with them is difficult.
• Diamond Qubits: Special defects in diamonds act as qubits - stable for specific tasks, but not ideal for large computations yet.

The race is on to overcome limitations and unlock the true potential of quantum computing!

A world of possibilities

Unleashing unimaginable processing power, quantum computing paints a bright picture of the future.

It holds the potential to revolutionize countless fields, fundamentally changing the world as we know it.

Let's explore some of the exciting potential applications of this groundbreaking technology:

Designing Super Materials

Imagine creating materials with properties never before seen, like superconductors that work at room temperature or batteries that last for months.

Quantum computers could make this a reality by simulating molecules and materials at the atomic level.

Smarter AI and Machine Learning

Quantum computers could supercharge artificial intelligence and machine learning, enabling them to learn faster, process more data, and make better decisions.

This could lead to breakthroughs in areas like self-driving cars, medical diagnosis, and financial forecasting.

Unbreakable Security

Quantum computers could both threaten and protect our data.

On one hand, they could crack current encryption codes.

On the other hand, they could also create new, unbreakable encryption methods, safeguarding our sensitive information.

Understanding Complex Systems

Quantum computers could help us better understand the world around us, from the intricacies of the human brain to the vastness of the universe.

By simulating complex systems with incredible accuracy, we could make groundbreaking discoveries in fields like medicine, climate science,

and material science.

Optimizing Investments

Quantum computers could revolutionize the world of finance by analyzing massive amounts of data and identifying patterns that we can't see.

This could help investors make better decisions, manage risks more effectively, and boost their returns.

Challenges towards a promising future

Quantum computing, with its revolutionary potential, faces significant challenges before it can reach widespread adoption.

Researchers must overcome technical, algorithmic, and infrastructural hurdles to unleash the full power of this transformative technology:

Technological challenges

• Qubits' fragility: Qubits are extremely sensitive to environmental disturbances. Maintaining their coherence and minimizing computational errors is a critical challenge.
• Scalability: Building quantum computers with a large number of stable and interconnected qubits poses immense technical difficulties.
• Quantum error correction: Efficient mechanisms are needed to correct errors that inevitably occur during quantum computations.

Algorithmic challenges

• Developing effective quantum algorithms: Most classical computer algorithms are not directly applicable to quantum computers. New algorithms tailored to the quantum architecture must be designed.
• Identifying quantum-suitable problems: Not all computational problems benefit from quantum computing. It's crucial to identify areas where this technology can provide a significant advantage over classical computers.

Infrastructural and economic challenges

• Development and maintenance costs: Building and maintaining quantum computers require specialized infrastructure and expertise, making the technology expensive.
• Access and training: Access to quantum computers and the necessary training remain limited, creating a potential disparity among those who can benefit from them.

For more details on Quantum computing challenges, head here.

A global innovation landscape

Quantum computing has captured the attention of global powerhouses, both public and private.

The race to develop the most powerful and reliable quantum computers is intensifying, with investments in this field skyrocketing.

Public sector

1. United States: The US government is pouring significant resources into quantum computing through initiatives like the National Quantum Initiative. Federal agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DoE) play a pivotal role in funding research and development.
2. European Union: The EU has also launched ambitious initiatives, such as Quantum Flagship and EuroQCI, to stimulate research and innovation in this domain.
3. China: China is another major player in quantum computing, with substantial public investments and ambitious national initiatives. The country aims to become a global leader in this field by 2030.
4. Japan: Japan is also investing heavily in quantum computing, focusing on areas such as quantum simulation and the development of new materials.

Private Sector

1. IBM: IBM is a pioneer in quantum computing and owns one of the world's most powerful quantum computers, the Q System One.
2. Google: Google is also a major player in this field, with its Sycamore project achieving "quantum supremacy" in 2019.
3. Microsoft: Microsoft is actively investing in quantum computing and developing its own quantum programming language, Q#.
4. Intel: Intel is also a significant player in this domain, with investments in research and development of superconducting qubits.
5. Rigetti Computing: Rigetti Computing is an American startup specializing in building superconducting quantum computers.
6. D-Wave Systems: D-Wave Systems is a Canadian company developing quantum annealers.

Beyond these major players, numerous promising startups are emerging worldwide, attracting significant venture capital investments. The race to innovate in quantum computing is intense, and collaboration between public and private actors will be crucial for advancing this revolutionary technology.

Geopolitical landscape

Geopolitics plays a significant role in quantum computing development. Governments are aware of this technology's potential and are seeking to secure a strategic advantage. This could lead to tensions and rivalries among global powers.

Can you buy a Quantum Computer today?

While purchasing a quantum computer is technically possible in 2024, it's an exclusive club with a hefty price tag. The D-Wave 2000Q, for example, reportedly cost around $15 million to purchase.

These cutting-edge machines are primarily owned and operated by well-funded research institutions, large corporations, and government agencies. Even with significant financial resources, access might be restricted by the terms set by these institutions.

For most users, the path to quantum computing lies in cloud-based services offered by companies like IBM, Microsoft, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave, and Google. This approach grants access to their quantum processing power without the burden of owning and maintaining the physical hardware. Cloud services range from a few dollars to several thousand dollars per hour depending on the amount of time and resources required.

The high cost of quantum computers is a reflection of the nascent stage of the technology. Experts predict significant price reduction as the field matures. Several factors will influence this trajectory, including advancements in qubit technology, growth in market demand, and the level of competition among quantum computing providers.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is a game-changer in the world of computers. It promises to do things that classical computers can't, like solving problems that are too complex for them and creating new materials with amazing properties.

But it's still early days for quantum computing, and there are many challenges to overcome before it can reach its full potential. Scientists need to build better qubits, the basic units of quantum information, and develop new algorithms that can take advantage of quantum computers' special powers.

Despite the challenges, the potential of quantum computing is huge. It could lead to breakthroughs in medicine, new ways to design materials, and even more powerful artificial intelligence.

It's an exciting time to be involved in this field, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

As for now, with the box unopened, Schr?dinger's Cat can finally enjoy a well-deserved, albeit hypothetical, nap.

Much like the Little Prince's sheep tucked away unseen in its box, the cat's fate remains suspended, a testament to the blurry line between possibility and reality in the quantum world.

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About the author: Elsa van Garderen is a strategy consultant for startups and SMEs.

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