Quantum computing is the next step in data processing technology. A quantum computer manages data in a way that is quite different from a standard computer
Quantum computing is the next step in data processing technology. A quantum computer manages data in a way that is quite different from a standard computer. Our standard laptops, desktops, and tablet computers process data in terms of binary bits that include a one (1) or a zero (0). The 1 symbolizes on state while the 0 symbolizes off state. Seeing as these states are two in number, they are regarded as binary. On the other hand, a quantum computer can achieve a one (1), a zero (0), or both states at the same time.
This is known as a superposition and is measured in quantum bits or simply, qubits. By achieving superpositions, a quantum computer can process complex problems much faster than a standard machine. There are some well-known quantum computers today, such as IBM’s Q53 and Google’s Q54. Currently, Google’s quantum computer is the fastest having achieved 54 qubits. Here is more about quantum computing, how it works, and the expected effects of this computer technology.
What exactly is a Quantum Computer?
When you are at the entrance of a maze, you can choose to begin by turning right or left. A standard computer would pick one of these directions and pursue it. On the other hand, a quantum computer can pursue both directions at the same time and report back on which direction has the highest chance of getting you through the maze successfully. That is the logical mode of operation in a quantum computer that is known as a superposition.
On a deeper level, the superposition of a quantum computer is the undefined, random yet measurable condition in which multiple variables can exist and many results can be achieved. For example, a quantum computer can be queried about its superposition. To this, it can respond that it is either in state A, B, A+B, or A-B. In this case, it can achieve 4 different states at the same time. Fundamentally, it can solve problems four times as fast as a standard computer.
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A quantum computer can achieve this rate of processing with a single quantum processor. Should it be equipped with multiple processors and have them all running at the same time, the quantum computer can multiply its speed by the number of processors onboard. Furthermore, it can increase its performance through a process known as quantum entanglement.
Standard computer systems often implement multiple processor cores to solve problems. If this mode of operation is applied in quantum computing, multiple superpositions can be combined to solve problems quicker. In this situation, the states can be entangled to create new ones for example state A+B can be combined with state A*B to create (A+B)(A*B) = (A2B + AB2). Knowing that each quantum processor can create any number of random states, the processing capability of quantum entanglement can be enormous!
Functional Requirements of a Quantum Computer
In essence, a quantum computer needs to be able to maintain an object in a state of superposition for as long as possible so as to perform multiple processes upon it. If this object should come into contact with materials that are in a binary state, it immediately assumes its state and loses its superposition. This transforms it into a one (1) or a zero (0) in a process called decoherence.
Therefore, a quantum computer needs to have the primary capability of maintaining an object in its superposition. It also needs to have the ability to ensure that the objective is easy to read by eliminating the possibility of errors. This is accomplished in two ways; the quantum computer can be fitted with more powerful processors or programmed using more efficient commands that can find and eliminate errors quicker.
Applications of Quantum Computers
There are specific problems that quantum computers are best suited for. They include:
- Probability calculation
- Optimization
- Molecular simulation
Due to the early nature of this technology, quantum computers are not yet being used for all these functions in real-world situations. Their still mysterious quality and unpredictable performance would make it very dangerous to apply them. However, there are some quantum computers in existence and they’re being applied in a pretty exciting way.
Real-life Quantum Computers
Quantum computers are currently being utilized in universities and scientific facilities for research and education. They are being used for Research and Development (R&D) for the purpose of molecular modeling of a very light molecule of lithium hydrogen. Researchers at IBM used the Q53 to model a beryllium hydride molecule successfully. Furthermore, the experts at IonQ used their quantum computers to model a water molecule.
In light of these achievements, strategic partnerships between quantum computing startups and leading companies in the pharmaceutical sector are being forged for example the one between 1Qbit and Biogen as well as another between ProteinQure and AstraZeneca for the molecular modeling of medication.
Quantum computers are utilized for this modeling to execute and perfect the simulation. The results are compared to similar simulations performed using standard computer systems. In this way, the effectiveness and speed of quantum computing for simulation are ascertained.
The NISQ
If they’re so powerful, why aren’t quantum computers being used for financial projection, real-time market analysis, and bio-chemical synthesis in the agricultural sector? The answer is NISQ, Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum. This is the current level at which all quantum computers are. At this level, the performance of these computing systems is erratic and very unpredictable hence the “noise”. While quantum computers are markedly light years faster than standard methods, they are extremely difficult ultimate to stabilize. As such, they produce digital noise that bars them from being trusted with critical, real-world systems.
There is considerable interest in the application of quantum computing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) but this, would require millions of qubits of processing power. Therefore, while an attractive time concept, this reality is still decades away.
Types of Quantum Computers
Two main types of quantum computers are available today and they include:
- Quantum Annealers
The quantum annealer is a standard-bearing computer that was developed by a Canadian company known as D-wave. It concentrates the power of superpositions to solve specific problems with tremendous accuracy and speed. Quantum annealers are 3,600 times faster than a supercomputer. Quantum annealers are therefore used to solve mathematical problems where an accurate, definite solution is required. While quantum annealers are extremely powerful, their scope of application is highly limited.
- Universal Quantum Computers
This type of quantum computer combines speed and generality. The universal quantum computer achieves exponentially numerous superpositions concurrently. In this way, it can perform calculations at lightspeed while maintaining a high level of versatility. That said, they can handle a wide variety of problems at the same time and still deliver accurate, correct results. Despite being so powerful, universal quantum computers pose immense technical difficulties to construct. This is because quantum particles activated in universally random superpositions are so erratic that the slightest variation in light, sound, or environmental density can cause the computer to arrive at incorrect results.
Value of the Quantum Computing Sector
A computer system that can perform billions of calculations thousands of times faster than modern supercomputers has numerous applications in today’s sectors of industry. It can be used to speed up the process of machine learning in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or make Cloud computing systems completely impossible to hack. Quantum computers can also be used in the medical research sector to speed up the process of finding cures for terminal diseases such as cancer or in the financial sector to speed up inter-market trading. Collectively, the quantum computing sector is worth trillions.
The Real Impact of Quantum Computers
There are computations where the result of the first step becomes the input data for the next step and so forth. This is essentially a compounding calculation that grows more complex over time. Towards the hundredth sequence of calculation, the sheer amount of data generated can pose a heavy load on the system leading to a general slowdown. A good example would be a macro in an Excel sheet where the output serves as input for consequential computations. When left to run indefinitely, such a macro would eventually slow down the entire computer system.
This problem is also experienced in supercomputers which can slow down under the weight of compounding computations. If you can check through a supercomputer’s logs, you can note consistently increasing processing periods. The nature of recalculating algorithms is that eventually, they’ll overload the system even in the most powerful computers.
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A quantum computer can solve this problem easily because it can scale up its processing capacity to match the increasing complexity of computation. Thanks to its ability to create superpositions, a quantum computer has exponential processing potential. As such, it can linearly boost its processing capability.
Within the confines of a quantum environment, each increment in the complexity of the quantum algorithm prompts the quantum computer to create more entanglements and scale its computing ability to invest more processing power per calculation. Eventually, the difference between the algorithmic complexity and system capability is so small that these two elements are seemingly at par. In this way, the quantum computer can solve the problem of the immense workload resulting from compounding and recalculating formulae.
Most strategic applications of quantum computers
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This is a specific sector of application for quantum computing because it is the field where computer systems learn as they process tasks. By learning from their digital experience, computer systems can become more accurate over time. Eventually, the computer system exhibits a semblance of its digital intelligence. In Artificial Intelligence (AI), feedback is delivered in form of calculated probabilities. Seeing as quantum computers are not deterministic, they are perfect for application in Artificial Intelligence (AI). A notable example of this is where the Lockheed Martin D-wave quantum computer is being used to test autopilot software that is too complicated for standard machines. At this juncture, quantum computers will fit right into the development of Artificial Intelligence.
Modeling on a molecular level
Chemical reactions occur on a quantum plane because the individual ions normally achieve superpositions. Quantum computers share this fundamental characteristic so they are perfect for molecular modeling. They can be used to find out the most perfect configurations for chemical reactions in a sector of activity known as quantum chemistry. Google is already using its quantum computer to perform simulations of the energy that is contained in hydrogen molecules. Through molecular modeling, quantum computers can help us to achieve more efficient pharmaceutical medication, solar cells, and fertilizer.
Limitations of Quantum Computing
We will never get singular results
A distinguishing characteristic of quantum computers is that they are not deterministic. This means that they do not deliver exact solutions. It is not possible to get a single, specific answer from a quantum computer because it delivers sets of answers with their respective probabilities. Thus, it is up to you to pick the most ideal solution. In this way, while a quantum computer may be fast, it does not provide straightforward specific answers.
Quantum computing cores self destruct
Another element is that a quantum computer performs processing on an atomic level using a special core. Interestingly, this specific unit self-destructs after the task is done. According to the structure of quantum physics, a quantum computer will create a computing core using the prevalent atoms. After constructing this core, it will proceed to utilize it to process the task at hand.
After attaining some results, the quantum computer will proceed to destroy the core. In situations of continuous query processing, the quantum computer will continue to recreate cores out of the prevalent atoms so as to solve the problems as they emerge. In this way, there is a cycle of creation, processing, and destruction.
Overall
Quantum computers represent the biggest, most recent technological step forward. Industry experts indicate that quantum computing could have as much significance for the 21st century as electricity did for the 20th century. By achieving superpositions, quantum computers exhibit limitless versatility. By understanding their nature, applications, benefits, and limitations as described above, you can stay abreast of the latest technological marvel today!
