Is Quantum Computing the Future of Technology?

The concept of Quantum Computing is no less than any Sci-fi film where the group of astronauts is able to travel to the unknown side of the universe within a speck of time. Computer innovators are supposedly on a verge of decoding the most powerful computer in the world that seeks possible solutions at the atomic and subatomic level in a field -solve problems that are currently intractable for classical computers.

Let’s delve deeper into this subject matter and discuss if quantum computing holds any promises for the humankind.

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing, or interchangeably quantum computer, is the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform computation.

Classical computers manipulate 1s and 0s to crunch through the operation. Quantum Computing uses superposition that allows them to represent a one or a zero at the same time. Instead of analyzing 1 or 0 sequentially, superposition allows two qubits in superposition to represent four scenarios at the same time.

A quantum computer is used to perform such computation, which can be implemented theoretically or physically.

Superposition is the term used to describe the quantum state where particles can exist in multiple states at the same time, and which allows quantum computers to look at many different variables at the same time.

In quantum computing, operations instead use the quantum state of an object to produce what's known as a qubit. These states are the undefined properties of an object before they've been detected, such as the spin of an electron or the polarization of a photon.

The researchers at the University of Warwick have created a protocol that allows a quantum computer to check its own answers to difficult problems, provided a means to confirm that a quantum computer is working correctly without excessive use of resources.

Dr. Animesh Datta from the University of Warwick Department of Physics said: "A quantum computer is only useful if it does two things: first, that it solves a difficult problem; the second, which I think is less appreciated, is that it solves the hard problem correctly.”

What is qubit?

In quantum computing, a qubit or quantum bit is the basic unit of quantum information—the quantum version of the classical binary bit physically realized with a two-state device. A qubit is a two-state quantum-mechanical system, one of the simplest quantum systems displaying the peculiarity of quantum mechanics.

Bit versus qubit

A binary digit, characterized as 0 and 1, is used to represent information in classical computers. ... However, whereas the state of a bit can only be either 0 or 1, the general state of a qubit according to quantum mechanics can be a coherent superposition of both.

Advantages of Quantum Computing

Although still theoretical, implementing quantum computing in everyday life decisions can greater advantage in terms of scientific discovery, mathematics, space exploration, food production, and others.

a. New Discoveries

Quantum computing will do things not possible with classical computers, like discovering new drugs and building molecular structures. The computing we rely on is good at finding answers by analyzing information within existing data sets, but quantum computing can get a wider range of answers by calculating and assuming new data sets.

b. Faster Computation

Quantum computers can be significantly faster and could eventually replace today's PCs and servers. Quantum computing is one way to advance computing as today's systems reach their physical and structural limits.

c. Addressing world hunger

With the aid of quantum computers, chemists can work to identify a new catalyst for fertilizer to help reduce greenhouse emissions and improve global food production. This solution requires the ability to model molecular interactions which are too complex for classical computers, but well-suited for quantum computers. The field of chemistry is an area in which quantum computers will have a significant impact.

d. Reducing energy loss

Quantum computing helps advance materials science, creating superior new alternatives and greener technologies. One potential quantum computing application is the development of high-temperature superconductors which could enable lossless transmission of energy. New discoveries enabled by quantum computers will help identify materials with properties suitable for high-temperature superconductivity—a level of complexity that is out of reach for the computers we use today.

e. Solving optimization problems in machine learning

Quantum computing can bring speed and efficiency to complex optimization problems in machine learning. For example, large factories aiming to maximize output require optimization of each individual process, as well as all participating components. Quantum computers can help deliver optimization insights for streamlined output, reduced waste, and lower costs.

Disadvantages of Quantum Computing

The major disadvantage of Quantum computing is that it is exceedingly difficult to engineer, build and program. As a result, it is crippled by errors in the form of noise, faults, and loss of quantum coherence, which is crucial to their operation.

This loss of coherence (called decoherence), caused by vibrations, temperature fluctuations, electromagnetic waves and other interactions with the outside environment, ultimately destroys the exotic quantum properties of the computer. Given the current pervasiveness of decoherence and other errors, contemporary quantum computers are unlikely to return correct answers for programs of even modest execution time.

While competing technologies and competing architectures are attacking these problems, no existing hardware platform can maintain coherence and provide the robust error correction required for large-scale computation. A breakthrough is probably several years away.

Is Quantum computing the future of Technology?

In one way, Yes. If we are ever able to decode quantum computing and use it on for daily applications, then yes. The researchers and scientists are still in the process to materialize quantum computing systems that can surpass what a classical computer is able to do, that too with less or no errors.

China has developed a new quantum research facility worth US$10 billion, while the European Union has developed a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) quantum master plan. The United States’ National Quantum Initiative Act provides $1.2 billion to promote quantum information science over a five-year period.

It can help reduce the reliance on electricity by reducing power consumption anywhere from 100 up to 1000 times because quantum computers use quantum tunneling.

IBM said it would offer commercial quantum machines to businesses within a year. Google announced that it will produce a viable quantum computer in the next 5 years. We will see the surge in the research and application of Quantum computing in the coming years, however, implementing quantum computing in commercial areas or daily life is still quite an unusual concept to grasp.

Searchable Design is a premier technology company in Des Moines specializing in providing a reliable technological solution to small and medium businesses