Learning Quantum Computing in 2020

One of the fun things to do over the mid-winter break is to learn something new.

I have had a tradition of a Christmas Eve dash around Heffer's bookshop in Cambridge to "find something to read". This year was no different, but in addition to a copy of "Quantum Computing Since Democritus" (Scott Aaronson, CUP, 2013) I've been working on the first of IBM's Quantum Computing courses. (Hence the badge, below).

What is really interesting, is that we seem to be on the threshold of a new era in computing. Quantum computing is probably still back where classical computing was in the late 1940s, but there is a difference. In the 70 odd years since Bell Labs built the first transistor, the technology industry has developed ways to miniaturize and manufacture ever more complex integrated circuits. The technology industry has aslo developed reliable volume manufacturing for precision devices (e.g. iPhones). There is lots of physics to discover and lots of engineering to invent in quantum computing but as new systems evolve, we have the ability to scale out quickly.

And now for the fun part - we need people to figure out how to use quantum computers across different industries. And we need to start now.  So when quantum computing moves into the mainstream we have figured how to use it. The quants in financial services at JPMC are already trying to work out how to manage stock portfolios. The chemical and pharma industries can already see the potential to design molecules specifically targeted to a single purpose: custom drug or chemical design. Lithium batteries seem to be a good place to start according to Mitsubishi. Optimisation is needed in other industries, such as logistics. What about telecoms? How can you apply quantum computing to telecom networks? Radio network planning perhaps? 

Key to all of this are people who are willing to learn new technologies and explore the implications. And educators willing and able to teach them. Getting back up to speed with quantum mechanics was not so difficult for me. At secondary school, Tony Compton, who was my inspirational physics teacher, had me solving the wave equation for a hydrogen atom by hand with pencil and paper. And he invited Otto Frisch to talk about physics. After that, no matter how scary the formulae look, you know: "OK, it may take some time, but sure, I can do that". Inspirational teachers are some of the most important people on the planet.

If you are interested in learning more about Quantum Computing, please look at the IBM Q Experience, and some of the many courses available (for free) on-line. 

Never stop learning .. 

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