Unlocking the Future: The Power and Potential of Quantum Computing

Quantum Computing, whilst not new as a concept, is a term that many of us regularly throw around as a badge to show that we are totally down with the latest and greatest deep tech concepts – but do most of us actually understand what Quantum Computing is?? I thought a quick reminder of some basic definitions together with a round up of recent industry news and advancements – might be useful…? So here is me, exploring what quantum computing is, what makes it interesting, and how it could reshape our future.

What is Quantum Computing?

At its core, quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics, the branch of physics that deals with the behaviour of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. Unlike classical computers (always did love a ZX81), which use bits as the smallest unit of information (represented as 0s or 1s), quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits. Qubits can exist simultaneously in multiple states, (not just on or off or 0 or 1) thanks to the principles of:

• Superposition - can be in a combination of both 0 and 1 at the same time, rather than being strictly one or the other like classical bits. #mindblown
• Entanglement - where two or more qubits become correlated with each other in such a way that the state of one qubit instantly affects the state of another, regardless of the distance between them. This is not possible in classical physics. #whoknew. Einstein called this 'spooky action at a distance'. I like it. :-)

This ability to exist simultaneously in multiple states allows quantum computers to process a vast amount of information simultaneously, far beyond the capabilities of classical systems – even the Spectrum! Quantum basically enables much faster data processing and decisioning than we have currently.

Market Size

The global quantum communication market was valued at US$775.4 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.7% during the forecast period 2024-2034.[1].

Real-Life Applications: How Quantum Computing Could Help Us

As a technology strategy consultant, I am often asked to find use cases for technologies which have already been developed – the proverbial ‘shutting the door after the horse has bolted’, or I prefer ‘rebel without a cause’…. Always a challenge.? However, it would seem the following areas are candidates which are likely to benefit from the power of quantum computing.

• Healthcare: Quantum computers can accelerate drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions at unprecedented speeds. This can lead to the development of new medications and treatments for diseases such as cancer, Dementia (R.I.P. Dad), and COVID-19 much faster than current methods allow.
• Climate Modelling: Accurate climate models are crucial for understanding and combating climate change. Quantum computing can process vast amounts of climate data more efficiently, leading to more accurate predictions and better strategies for mitigating global warming.
• Energy Optimisation: A recent collaboration between Dell Technologies and Aramco highlights how quantum computing and AI can optimise energy production. This can lead to more efficient and sustainable energy systems, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and minimising environmental impact.
• Cryptography and Security: Quantum computing has the potential to create virtually unbreakable encryption methods, ensuring that sensitive data is more secure than ever before. Conversely, it could also break existing cryptographic codes, prompting the development of new, more secure methods of data protection.
• Autonomous Vehicles: Quantum is starting to be used in various autonomous vehicle applications, including vehicle optimisation, data integration from multiple sensors Lidar etc, approximate 3D object recognition, and automotive cybersecurity. In 2022, Hyundai Motor Corporation and IonQ partnered to use quantum computing to simulate EV battery chemical reactions. Similarly, in 2020, Mercedes-Benz and IBM announced a collaboration to develop next-generation lithium-sulphur batteries using quantum computing technologies.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Quantum algorithms can optimise supply chains in real-time, reducing costs and inefficiencies. This could be beneficial for industries like retail (just had my 3rd delivery from Amazon today) and manufacturing, where streamlined operations can significantly impact the bottom line.

These aren’t all of them (I hear you screaming ‘blockchain’, ‘AI’, ‘traffic management in space’, ‘defence’ bla bla bla) but you get the idea…

But the most important application? According to David Deutsch (referred to by some as the father of quantum - who has obviously given the subject more thinking than most - v clever chap - invented quantum in 1970's (a VERY special decade in which many great people were born (me - yay)) recently said to Wired that:

"The most important application of quantum computing in the future is likely to be a computer simulation of quantum systems, because that's an application where we know for sure that quantum systems in general cannot be efficiently simulated on a classical computer. This is an application where the quantum computer is ideally suited."

Barriers to growth

Many leaders in the quantum field (including Axel Eriksson, John Preskill – I know I will have missed loads of others) say that its errors which need to be corrected before quantum computers can really come into their own…? Quantum bits, or qubits are extremely prone to error, and whilst Google, Amazon, Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) and IBM all made improvements in error correction last year, the fundamental building blocks still lack stability and many commentators are working on reducing the Kerr-effect (something to do with oscillators and them working (or not) in combination with control systems)... #outofmydepth. ??Noise, in the form of electromagnetic interference or magnetic fluctuations, can cause the qubits to lose their quantum states and that limits the time that quantum computers can perform for, and solutions need to be found which can correct system errors of approximately 10 billion times[2] or more per second. #quitealot

Who’s Doing What?

Google's Quantum Leap: A New Understanding of Magnets

A recent breakthrough by Google's quantum computing team has advanced our understanding of magnets (not the fridge ones). By simulating the behaviour of magnets in unprecedented detail, they have discovered discrepancies with current theories, paving the way for new technologies in electronics and energy storage.

IBM's Quantum Ambitions: A Leap Towards 10,000 Qubits

IBM (my dad worked for them for more than 25 years!) aims to develop a quantum computer with 10,000 qubits by 2029, vastly outclassing today's leading machines. This leap could eliminate the need for traditional supercomputers as backups, significantly advancing fields like cryptography, materials science, and complex simulations.

China's Quantum Leap: Advancing Ultra-Low Temperature Measurement

China has made significant strides with the development of a high-performance ruthenium oxide thermometer by QuantumCTek. This advancement is crucial for maintaining the ultra-low temperatures (even lower than those reported in June, UK 2024) required for stable quantum computing operations, ensuring more reliable and accurate computations.

Chalmers University of Technology:? Working on the trade off

Chalmers University of Technology has developed a system which addresses the challenge of balancing error correction and quantum state control, a trade-off which has hindered progress. Chalmers' new system enables intricate operations on multi-state quantum systems at unprecedented speeds, promising longer computation times and more robust quantum computers. Woohoo.

Summary

Quantum computing is poised to be the next frontier of technological innovation. Of course there is hype, (when is there not?), but Quantum Computing is definitely growing up as a technology, and with all the tech giants investing millions annually, my guess is that it’s not going anywhere.? My guess is that it will start to be useful in 10 - 15 years, and may indeed start to solve some of societies most complex problems. ??Then again….? They said that about 5G, Autonomous Vehicles and Drones! ??

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[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/06/06/2894898/0/en/Quantum-Communication-market-is-projected-to-grow-at-a-CAGR-of-25-7-by-2034-Visiongain.html

[2] https://phys.org/news/2024-06-quantum-problem.html