Will Quantum Computing Take Over?

 

What is Quantum Computers?

Quantum computers deal with the theory of quantum. Too obvious, isn't it?

So let's see what basically is the quantum theory. Quantum physics is the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level. It aims to uncover the properties and behaviors of the very building blocks of nature.

So, it can be said that quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field comprising aspects of computer science, physics, and mathematics that utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than on classical computers. Quantum computers are able to solve certain types of problems faster than classical computers by taking advantage of quantum mechanical effects, such as superposition and quantum interference. Some applications where quantum computers can provide such a speed boost include machine learning (ML), optimization, and simulation of physical systems.

Quantum computing has many potential uses, such as quantum engineering, cryptography, machine learning, artificial intelligence, simulations, and optimizations. It could speed up drug discovery and help with medical research by speeding up chemical reactions or protein folding simulations

How does it work?

Quantum Computing basically uses Quantum Theory - nature and behaviour of energy and matter to quantum level for data processing. It uses a combination of Qubits to perform specific complex computations that even a super computer can’t do. Quantum computing is a type of computation whose operations can harness the phenomena of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, interference, and entanglement.

Future of Quantum Computers

Depending on who you ask, some say that quantum computers could either break the Internet, rendering pretty much every data security protocol obsolete, or allow us to compute our way out of the climate crisis but on the other hand some people think that it might prove to be a source of destruction for our next generations.

In November last year, IBM unveiled its latest quantum computer, Osprey, a new 433 qubit processor that is three times more powerful than its predecessor built only in 2021. Whereas, IBM's Condor is the world's first universal quantum computer with more than 1,000 qubits, is set to debut in 2023. The year is also expected to see IBM launch Heron, the first of a new flock of modular quantum processors that the company says may help it produce quantum computers with more than 4,000 qubits by 2025.

The field of Quantum computers is advancing rapidly and we will soon see it impacting our daily lives. Proponents of quantum technology say these machines could usher in rapid advances in fields like drug discovery and materials science - a prospect that dangles the possibility of creating, for example, lighter, more efficient, electric vehicle batteries or materials that could facilitate effective CO2 capture.

With the climate crisis looming, and technology with a hope of solving complex issues like these are bound to draw keen interest. Little wonder then, that some of the largest tech companies in the world - Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and, of course, IBM to name a few - are investing heavily in it and angling to stake their place in a quantum future.

What actually happens is yet to be seen, but quantum computers have sparked a hope to the solution of many of the world problems that we see today.