QUANTUM COMPUTING
WHAT IS QUANTUM COMPUTING
Quantum computing is an area of computer science that uses the principles of quantum theory. Quantum theory explains the behavior of energy and material on the atomic and subatomic levels.
Quantum computing is a process that uses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too large or complex for traditional computers. Quantum computers rely on qubits to run and solve multidimensional quantum algorithms.
Quantum computing is a type of computation whose operations can harness the phenomena of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, interference, and entanglement. Devices that perform quantum computations are known as quantum computers. Though current quantum computers are too small to outperform usual (classical) computers for practical applications, larger realizations are believed to be capable of solving certain computational problems, such as integer factorization (which underlies RSA encryption), substantially faster than classical computers. The study of quantum computing is a subfield of quantum information science.
Quantum computing uses subatomic particles, such as electrons or photons. Quantum bits, or qubits, allow these particles to exist in more than one state (i.e., 1 and 0) at the same time.
Indeed, quantum computing is vastly different from classical computing. Quantum physicist Shohini Ghose, of Wilfrid Laurier University, has likened the difference between quantum and classical computing to light bulbs and candles: “The light bulb isn’t just a better candle; it’s something completely different.”
Theoretically, linked qubits can "exploit the interference between their wave-like quantum states to perform calculations that might otherwise take millions of years."1
Classical computers today employ a stream of electrical impulses (1 and 0) in a binary manner to encode information in bits. This restricts their processing ability, compared to quantum computing.
Key Takeaways
- Quantum computing uses phenomena in quantum physics to create new ways of computing.
- Quantum computing involves qubits.
- Unlike a normal computer bit, which can be either 0 or 1, a qubit can exist in a multidimensional state.
- The power of quantum computers grows exponentially with more qubits.
- Classical computers that add more bits can increase power only linearly.
How Fast Is a Quantum Computer?
A quantum computer is many times faster than a classical computer or a supercomputer. Google’s quantum computer in development, Sycamore, is said to have performed a calculation in 200 seconds, compared to the 10,000 years that one of the world’s fastest computers, IBM's Summit, would take to solve it.13 IBM disputed Google's claim, saying its supercomputer could solve the calculation in 2.5 days. Even so, that's 1,000 times slower than Google's quantum machine.14
Understanding Quantum Computing
The field of quantum computing emerged in the 1980s. It was discovered that certain computational problems could be tackled more efficiently with quantum algorithms than with their classical counterparts.2
Quantum computing has the capability to sift through huge numbers of possibilities and extract potential solutions to complex problems and challenges. Where classical computers store information as bits with either 0s or 1s, quantum computers use qubits. Qubits carry information in a quantum state that engages 0 and 1 in a multidimensional way.3
Such massive computing potential and the projected market size for its use have attracted the attention of some of the most prominent companies. These include IBM, Microsoft, Google, D-Waves Systems, Alibaba, Nokia, Intel, Airbus, HP, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, SK Telecom, NEC, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Rigetti, Biogen, Volkswagen, and Amgen.
CONTENTS
Quantum Computing Further Explained
How Do Quantum Computers Work?
The Physical Build Of A True Quantum Computer Consists Mainly Of Three Parts.
What Can Quantum Computing Solve?
Why Quantum Computing Is Important
Harnessing The Quantum Realm for NASA'S Future Complex Computing Needs
Quantum Computing: How It's Used, And Example
Limitations of Quantum Computing
Quantum Computer vs. Classical Computer
QUANTUM COMPUTING FURTHER EXPLAINED
Quantum computing solves mathematical problems and runs quantum models using the tenets of quantum theory. Some of the quantum systems it is used to model include photosynthesis, superconductivity and complex molecular formations.
To understand quantum computing and how it works, you first need to understand qubits, superposition, entanglement and quantum interference.
What Are Qubits?
Quantum bits, or qubits, are the basic unit of information in quantum computing. Sort of like a traditional binary bit in traditional computing.
Qubits use superposition to be in multiple states at one time. Binary bits can only represent 0 or 1. Qubits can be 0 or 1, as well as any part of 0 and 1 in superposition of both states.
What are qubits made of?
The answer depends on the architecture of quantum systems, as some require extremely cold temperatures to function properly. Qubits can be made from trapped ions, photons, artificial or real atoms or quasiparticles, while binary bits are often silicon-based chips.
What Is Superposition?
Quantum superposition is a mode when quantum particles are a combination of all possible states. The particles continue to fluctuate and move while the quantum computer measures and observes each particle.
The more interesting fact about superposition — rather than the two-things-at-once point of focus — is the ability to look at quantum states in multiple ways, and ask it different questions, said John Donohue, scientific outreach manager at the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing. That is, rather than having to perform tasks sequentially, like a traditional computer, quantum computers can run vast numbers of parallel computations.
What Is Entanglement?
Quantum particles are able to correspond measurements with one another, and when they are engaged in this state, it’s called entanglement. During entanglement, measurements from one qubit can be used to reach conclusions about other units. Entanglement helps quantum computers solve larger problems and calculate bigger stores of data and information.
What Is Quantum Interference?
As qubits experience superposition, they can also naturally experience quantum interference. This interference is the probability of qubits collapsing one way or another. Because of the possibility of interference, quantum computers work to reduce it and ensure accurate results.
There are several models of quantum computation with the most widely used being quantum circuits. Other models include the quantum Turing machine, quantum annealing, and adiabatic quantum computation. Most models are based on the quantum bit, or "qubit", which is somewhat analogous to the bit in classical computation. A qubit can be in a 1 or 0 quantum state, or in a superposition of the 1 and 0 states. When it is measured, however, it is always 0 or 1; the probability of either outcome depends on the qubit's quantum state immediately prior to measurement. One model that does not use qubits is continuous variable quantum computation.
Efforts towards building a physical quantum computer focus on technologies such as transmons, ion traps and topological quantum computers, which aim to create high-quality qubits. These qubits may be designed differently, depending on the full quantum computer's computing model, as to whether quantum logic gates, quantum annealing, or adiabatic quantum computation are employed. There are currently a number of significant obstacles to constructing useful quantum computers. It is particularly difficult to maintain qubits' quantum states, as they suffer from quantum decoherence. Quantum computers therefore require error correction.
Any computational problem that can be solved by a classical computer can also be solved by a quantum computer. Conversely, any problem that can be solved by a quantum computer can also be solved by a classical computer, at least in principle given enough time. In other words, quantum computers obey the Church–Turing thesis. This means that while quantum computers provide no additional advantages over classical computers in terms of computability, quantum algorithms for certain problems have significantly lower time complexities than corresponding known classical algorithms. Notably, quantum computers are believed to be able to quickly solve certain problems that no classical computer could solve in any feasible amount of time—a feat known as "quantum supremacy." The study of the computational complexity of problems with respect to quantum computers is known as quantum complexity theory.
When scientists want to do things like harness the power of molecules during photosynthesis, they won’t be able to do so using regular old computers. They need to use quantum computers, which are able to measure and observe quantum systems at the molecular level as well as solve the conditional probability of events. Basically, quantum computers can do billions of years worth of computing over the course of a weekend — and untangle some of the world’s most complex problems in the process.
How Do Quantum Computers Work?
Traditional computers operate on binary bits but quantum computers transmit information via qubits. The qubit’s ability to remain in superposition is the heart of quantum’s potential for exponentially greater computational power.
Quantum computers utilize a variety of algorithms to conduct measurements and observations. These algorithms are input by a user, the computer then creates a multidimensional space where patterns and individual data points are housed. For example, if a user wants to solve a protein folding problem to discover the least amount of energy to use, the quantum computer would measure the combinations of folds; this combination is the answer to the problem.
What a quantum computer actually looks like can vary.
Technology companies like IBM, Microsoft and Intel have developed quantum simulators and processors that can be accessed through avenues like purchase or special memberships. There are also a variety of open-source quantum toolkits on the market that can be accessed online, like through GitHub, for example.
The physical build of a true quantum computer consists mainly of three parts.
1. The first part is a traditional computer and infrastructure that runs programming and sends instructions to the qubits.
2. The second part is a method to transfer signals from the computer to the qubits.
3. Finally, there needs to be a storage unit for the qubits. This storage unit for qubits must be able to stabilize the qubits and certain needs or requirements have to be met. These can range from needing to be near zero degrees or the housing of a vacuum chamber.
Qubits, it turns out, are higher maintenance than even the most meltdown-prone rock star. Any number of simple actions or variables can send error-prone qubits falling into decoherence, or the loss of a quantum state. Things that can cause a quantum computer to crash include measuring qubits and running operations. In other words: using it. Even small vibrations and temperature shifts will cause qubits to decohere, too.
That’s why quantum computers are kept isolated, and the ones that run on superconducting circuits — the most prominent method, favored by Google and IBM — have to be kept at near-absolute zero (a cool -460 degrees Fahrenheit).
The challenge is two-fold, according to Jonathan Carter, a scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
1. First, individual physical qubits need to have better fidelity. That would conceivably happen either through better engineering, discovering optimal circuit layout, and finding the optimal combination of components.
2. Second, we have to arrange them to form logical qubits.
“Estimates range from hundreds to thousands to tens of thousands of physical qubits required to form one fault-tolerant qubit. I think it’s safe to say that none of the technology we have at the moment could scale out to those levels,” Carter said.
From there, researchers would also have to build ever-more complex systems to handle the increase in qubit fidelity and numbers.
What Can Quantum Computing Solve?
There are several use cases for quantum computing: optimization, probability, molecular simulation, cryptography and search.
Quantum computing can optimize problem solving by using QCs to run quantum-inspired algorithms. These optimizations can be applied to the science and industry fields because they rely heavily on factors like cost, quality and production time.
With quantum computing, there will be new discoveries in how to manage air traffic control, package deliveries, energy storage and more.
One QC breakthrough came in 2017, when researchers at IBM modeled beryllium hydride, the largest molecule simulated on a quantum computer to date.
Another key step arrived in 2019, when IonQ researchers used quantum computing to go bigger still, by simulating a water molecule.
“Most [commercial] interest is from a long-term perspective. [Companies] are getting used to the technology so that when it does catch up — and that timeline is a subject of fierce debate — they’re ready for it.”
There’s also hope that large-scale quantum computers will help accelerate AI, and vice versa — although experts disagree on this point. “The reason there’s controversy is, things have to be redesigned in a quantum world,” said Rebecca Krauthamer, CEO of quantum computing consultancy Quantum Thought. “We can’t just translate algorithms from regular computers to quantum computers because the rules are completely different, at the most elemental level.”
Some believe quantum computers can help combat climate change by improving carbon capture. Jeremy O’Brien, CEO of Palo Alto-based PsiQuantum, wrote that quantum simulation of larger molecules — if achieved — could help build a catalyst “for ‘scrubbing’ carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.”
Today, we’re still in what’s known as the NISQ era — Noisy, Intermediate-Scale Quantum. In a nutshell, quantum “noise” makes such computers incredibly difficult to stabilize. As such, NISQ computers can’t be trusted to make decisions of major commercial consequence, which means they’re currently used primarily for research and education.
But NISQ computers’ R&D practicality is demonstrable, if decidedly small-scale. Donohue cites the molecular modeling of lithium hydrogen. That’s a small enough molecule that it can also be simulated using a supercomputer, but the quantum simulation provides an important opportunity to “check our answers” after a classical-computer simulation.
And curious minds can get their hands dirty right now. Users can operate small-scale quantum processors via the cloud through IBM’s online Q Experience and its open-source software Quiskit. Microsoft and Amazon both now have similar platforms, dubbed Azure Quantum and Braket. “That’s one of the cool things about quantum computing today,” said Krauthamer. “We can all get on and play with it.”
5 Skills You Need to Launch a Quantum Computing Career
Why Quantum Computing Is Important
Quantum computers may have the potential to uproot some of our current systems. The cryptosystem known as RSA provides the safety structure for a host of privacy and communication protocols, from email to internet retail transactions. Current standards rely on the fact that no one has the computing power to test every possible way to de-scramble your data once encrypted, but a mature quantum computer could try every option within a matter of hours.
It should be stressed that quantum computers haven’t yet hit that level of maturity — and won’t for some time — but if and when a large, stable device is built its unprecedented ability to factor large numbers would essentially leave the RSA cryptosystem in tatters. Thankfully, the technology is still a ways away — and the experts are on it.
“The community is pretty comfortable saying that’s not something that’s going to happen in the next five to 10 years.”
Cryptographers from ISARA are among several contingents currently taking part in the Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization project, a contest of quantum-resistant encryption schemes. The aim is to standardize algorithms that can resist attacks levied by large-scale quantum computers. The competition was launched in 2016 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a federal agency that helps establish tech and science guidelines, and is now gearing up for its third round.
Indeed, the level of complexity and stability required of a quantum computer to launch the much-discussed RSA attack is extreme. Even granting that timelines in quantum computing — particularly in terms of scalability — are points of contention.
Stephen Gossett | Jessica Powers | Quantum-computing
HARNESSING THE QUANTUM REALM FOR NASA'S FUTURE COMPLEX COMPUTING NEEDS
NASA's Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley is the heart of the agency's advanced computing efforts, including its exploration and research of quantum computing. Ames leverages its location in the heart of Silicon Valley to forge partnerships with private industry as well. Using these collaborations, the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility's resources, and expertise in quantum computing, Ames works to evaluate the potential of quantum computing for NASA missions.
The properties that govern physics at the extremely small scales and low temperatures of the quantum realm are puzzling and unique. Quantum computing is the practice of harnessing those properties to enable revolutionary algorithms that traditional computers wouldn’t be able to run. Algorithms are a set of instructions to solve a problem or accomplish a task in computing. Quantum algorithms require descriptions of what operations should do during computation on a quantum computer, which often takes the form of a software program called a “quantum circuit.”
NASA's computing needs are escalating as the agency aims for more complex missions across the solar system, as well as continued research in the Earth sciences and aeronautics. Quantum computing, as it matures in the coming years, could provide powerful solutions.
Quantum mechanics describes effects such as superposition, where a particle can be in many different states at once. Quantum entanglement allows particles to be correlated with each other in unique ways that can be utilized by quantum computing. Though why these properties and more occur is still a mystery of science, the way in which they function has been well characterized and researched, allowing quantum computing experts to design hardware and algorithms to use these properties to their advantage.
Ames' Role
Since 1972, when Ames center director Hans Mark brought the first massively parallel computer – a kind of computer that uses multiple processors at the same time, or in parallel – the center has been at the forefront of developing advances in computing.
Today, the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL), is where NASA conducts research to determine the capabilities of quantum computers and their potential to support the agency's goals in the decades to come. Located at Ames, the lab conducts research on quantum applications and algorithms, develops tools for quantum computing, and investigates the fundamental physics behind quantum computing. The lab also partners with other quantum labs across the country, such as those at Google; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, or ORNL; Rigetti; and is part of two of the Department of Energy’s centers under the National Quantum Initiative, specifically the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage and Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center.
Applications and Algorithms
What future missions could quantum computing help realize?
Quantum computing is a field of study in its infancy. So far, it is too early to implement quantum computing into NASA missions. The role of QuAIL is to investigate quantum computing's potential to serve the agency's future needs, for missions yet to be proposed or even imagined.
The key to quantum computing is quantum algorithms – special algorithms uniquely constructed to take advantage of quantum properties, like quantum superposition and quantum entanglement. The properties of the quantum world allow for computations that would take billions of years on classical machines. By experimenting with designing quantum algorithms, QuAIL hopes to use quantum computers to tackle calculations that otherwise would be impossible.
Current research looks into applying quantum algorithms to optimize the planning and scheduling of mission operations, machine learning for Earth science data, and simulations for the design of new materials for use in aeronautics and space exploration. In the future, quantum algorithms could impact NASA's missions broadly. QuAIL's role is to help define that future.
Quantum Computing Tools
How can software support quantum algorithms and their applications?
There are a variety of tools QuAIL is developing to support quantum computing. Those tools can help characterize “noise” in quantum devices, assist in error mitigation, compile algorithms for specific hardware, and simulate quantum algorithms.
Because quantum computers need extremely precise and stable conditions to operate, seemingly small issues such as impurities on a superconducting chip or accumulated charged particles can impact a computation. Thus, error mitigation will play a critical role in realizing mature quantum computers.
By modeling what kind of errors occur and the effect they have on calculations, a process called noise characterization, quantum researchers can design error mitigation techniques that can run alongside quantum algorithms to keep them on track.
All algorithms need to be compiled for use on specific hardware. Because quantum hardware is so distinct from traditional computers, researchers must make special efforts to compile quantum algorithms for quantum hardware. In the same way software needs to be coded to a particular operating system, quantum algorithms need to be coded to function on a quantum computer's specific "operating system," which also takes hardware into account.
Tools that allow researchers to simulate quantum circuits using non-quantum hardware are key to QuAIL's objective to evaluate the potential of quantum hardware. By testing the same algorithm on both a traditional supercomputer using a quantum circuit simulator and on real quantum hardware, researchers can find the limits of the supercomputer.
NASA can also use these simulated quantum circuits to check the work of quantum hardware, ensuring that algorithms are being properly executed up until the limit at which the simulated quantum circuit is reached. This was an essential component of confirming that a recent milestone achieved by Google in collaboration with NASA and ORNL, demonstrating the ability to compute in seconds what would take even the largest and most advanced supercomputers days or weeks, had indeed been achieved.
For researchers:
- “From Ansätze to Z-gates: a NASA View of Quantum Computing,” by Eleanor Rieffel et al., Advances in Parallel Computing, Vol 34, pp. 133 – 160, 2019.
- “A NASA perspective on quantum computing: Opportunities and challenges,” by Rupak Biswas et al., Parallel Computing 64, 81-98, 2017.
- QuAIL technical site
For news media:
- Members of the news media interested in covering this topic should reach out to the Ames newsroom.
QUANTUM COMPUTING: HOW IT'S USED, AND EXAMPLE
Uses and Benefits of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing could contribute greatly to the fields of security, finance, military affairs and intelligence, drug design and discovery, aerospace designing, utilities (nuclear fusion), polymer design, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data search, and digital manufacturing.
Quantum computers could be used to improve the secure sharing of information. Or to improve radars and their ability to detect missiles and aircraft. Another area where quantum computing is expected to help is the environment and keeping water clean with chemical sensors.4
Here are some potential benefits of quantum computing:5
- Financial institutions may be able to use quantum computing to design more effective and efficient investment portfolios for retail and institutional clients. They could focus on creating better trading simulators and improve fraud detection.
- The healthcare industry could use quantum computing to develop new drugs and genetically-targeted medical care. It could also power more advanced DNA research.
- For stronger online security, quantum computing can help design better data encryption and ways to use light signals to detect intruders in the system.
- Quantum computing can be used to design more efficient, safer aircraft and traffic planning systems.
40%
Percentage of large companies planning to create initiatives around quantum computing by 2025, according to research by Gartner.3
Features of Quantum Computing
Superposition and entanglement are two features of quantum physics on which quantum computing is based. They empower quantum computers to handle operations at speeds exponentially higher than conventional computers and with much less energy consumption.
Superposition
According to IBM, it's what a qubit can do rather than what it is that's remarkable. A qubit places the quantum information that it contains into a state of superposition. This refers to a combination of all possible configurations of the qubit. "Groups of qubits in superposition can create complex, multidimensional computational spaces. Complex problems can be represented in new ways in these spaces."6
Entanglement
Entanglement is integral to quantum computing power. Pairs of qubits can be made to become entangled. This means that the two qubits then exist in a single state. In such a state, changing one qubit directly affects the other in a manner that's predictable.
Quantum algorithms are designed to take advantage of this relationship to solve complex problems. While doubling the number of bits in a classical computer doubles its processing power, adding qubits results in an exponential upswing in computing power and ability.7
Decoherence
Decoherence occurs when the quantum behavior of qubits decays. The quantum state can be disturbed instantly by vibrations or temperature changes. This can cause qubits to fall out of superposition and cause errors to appear in computing. It's important that qubits be protected from such interference by, for instance, supercooled refridgerators, insulation, and vacuum chambers.57
Limitations of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing offers enormous potential for developments and problem-solving in many industries. However, currently, it has its limitations.
- Decoherence, or decay, can be caused by the slightest disturbance in the qubit environment. This results in the collapse of computations or errors to them. As noted above, a quantum computer must be protected from all external interference during the computing stage.
- Error correction during the computing stage hasn't been perfected. That makes computations potentially unreliable. Since qubits aren't digital bits of data, they can't benefit from conventional error correction solutions used by classical computers.
- Retrieving computational results can corrupt the data. Developments such as a particular database search algorithm that ensures that the act of measurement will cause the quantum state to decohere into the correct answer hold promise.8
- Security and quantum cryptography is not yet fully developed.
- A lack of qubits prevents quantum computers from living up to their potential for impactful use. Researchers have yet to produce more than 128.7
According to global energy leader Iberdola, "quantum computers must have almost no atmospheric pressure, an ambient temperature close to absolute zero (-273°C) and insulation from the earth's magnetic field to prevent the atoms from moving, colliding with each other, or interacting with the environment."
"In addition, these systems only operate for very short intervals of time, so that the information becomes damaged and cannot be stored, making it even more difficult to recover the data."5
Quantum Computer vs. Classical Computer
Quantum computers have a more basic structure than classical computers. They have no memory or processor. All a quantum computer uses is a set of superconducting qubits.5
Quantum computers and classical computers process information differently. A quantum computer uses qubits to run multidimensional quantum algorithms. Their processing power increases exponentially as qubits are added. A classical processor uses bits to operate various programs. Their power increases linearly as more bits are added. Classical computers have much less computing power.
Classical computers are best for everyday tasks and have low error rates. Quantum computers are ideal for a higher level of task, e.g., running simulations, analyzing data (such as for chemical or drug trials), creating energy-efficient batteries. They can also have high error rates.9
Classical computers don't need extra-special care. They may use a basic internal fan to keep from overheating. Quantum processors need to be protected from the slightest vibrations and must be kept extremely cold. Super-cooled superfluids must be used for that purpose.9
Quantum computers are more expensive and difficult to build than classical computers.
In 2019, Google proved that a quantum computer can solve a problem in minutes, while it would take a classical computer 10,000 years.10
Quantum Computers In Development
Google is spending billions of dollars to build its quantum computer by 2029. The company opened a campus in California called Google AI to help it meet this goal. Once developed, Google could launch a quantum computing service via the cloud.3
IBM
IBM plans to have a 1,000-qubit quantum computer in place by 2023. For now, IBM allows access to its machines for those research organizations, universities, and laboratories that are part of its Quantum Network.11
Microsoft
Microsoft offers companies access to quantum technology via the Azure Quantum platform.
Others
There’s interest in quantum computing and its technology from financial services firms such as JPMorgan Chase and Visa.
What Is Quantum Computing in Simplest Terms?
Quantum computing relates to computing made by a quantum computer. Compared to traditional computing done by a classical computer, a quantum computer should be able to store much more information and operate with more efficient algorithms. This translates to solving extremely complex tasks faster.
How Hard Is It to Build a Quantum Computer?
Building a quantum computer takes a long time and is vastly expensive. Google has been working on building a quantum computer for years and has spent billions of dollars. It expects to have its quantum computer ready by 2029. IBM hopes to have a 1,000-qubit quantum computer in place by 2023.
How Much Does a Quantum Computer Cost?
A quantum computer cost billions to build. However, China-based Shenzhen SpinQ Technology plans to sell a $5,000 desktop quantum computer to consumers for schools and colleges. Last year, it started selling a quantum computer for $50,000.12
The Future of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing may still be in its fussy, uncooperative stage, but that hasn’t stopped commercial interests from diving in.
IBM announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2020 that its so-called Q Network had expanded to more than 100 companies and organizations. Partners now range from Delta Air Lines to Anthem health to Daimler AG, which owns Mercedes-Benz.
Some of those partnerships hinge on quantum computing’s aforementioned promise in terms of molecular simulation. Daimler, for instance, is hoping the technology will one day yield a way to produce better batteries for electric vehicles.
Elsewhere, partnerships between quantum computing startups and leading companies in the pharmaceutical industry — like those established between 1QBit and Biogen, and ProteinQure and AstraZeneca — point to quantum molecular modeling’s drug-discovery promise, distant though it remains.
Researchers would need millions of qubits to compute “the chemical properties of a novel substance,” noted theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder in the Guardian.But the conceptual underpinning, at least, is there. “A quantum computer knows quantum mechanics already, so I can essentially program in how another quantum system would work and use that to echo the other one,” explained Donohue.
For people like Michael Biercuk, founder of quantum-engineering software company Q-CTRL, “the only technical commercial milestone that matters now is quantum advantage” — or, as he uses the term, when a quantum computer provides some time or cost advantage over a classical computer. Count him among the optimists: He foresees a five-to-eight year time scaleto achieve such a goal.
Another open question: Which method of quantum computing will become standard? While superconducting has borne the most fruit so far, researchers are exploring alternative methods that involve trapped ions, quantum annealing or so-called topological qubits. In Donohue’s view, it’s not necessarily a question of which technology is better so much as one of finding the best approach for different applications. For instance, superconducting chips naturally dovetail with the magnetic field technology that underpins neuroimaging.
“That’s a bigger problem to focus on, even more than the hardware. Because the people will bring that innovation.”
The challenges that quantum computing faces, however, aren’t strictly hardware-related. The “magic” of quantum computing resides in algorithmic advances, “not speed,” Greg Kuperberg, a mathematician at the University of California at Davis, is quick to underscore.
“If you come up with a new algorithm, for a question that it fits, things can be exponentially faster,” he said, using exponential literally, not metaphorically. (There are over 60 algorithms listed and over 400 papers cited at Quantum Algorithm Zoo, an online catalog of quantum algorithms compiled by Microsoft quantum researcher Stephen Jordan.)
Another roadblock for quantum computing, according to Krauthamer, is general lack of expertise. “There’s just not enough people working at the software level or at the algorithmic level in the field,” she said. Tech entrepreneur Jack Hidarity’s team set out to count the number of people working in quantum computing and found only about 800 to 850 people, according to Krauthamer. “That’s a bigger problem to focus on, even more than the hardware,” she said. “Because the people will bring that innovation.”
The Bottom Line
Quantum computing is very different from classical computing. It uses qubits, which can be 1 or 0 at the same time. Classical computers use bits, which can only be 1 or 0.
As a result, quantum computing is much faster and more powerful. It is expected to be used to solve a variety of extremely complex, worthwhile tasks.
While it has its limitations at this time, it is poised to be put to work by many high-powered companies in myriad industries.
Article Sources
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