May 04, 2024
by Humera

Quantum computing is a field within computer science that utilizes the fundamental principles of quantum theory. Once quantum computers are fully functional, they will outperform conventional computers in specific computing tasks that classical computers would consider difficult, such as factoring large numbers, searching databases, and mimicking quantum physical phenomena. Quantum computing is still in its infancy and faces several technological challenges. However, as it matures, it has the potential to transform industries by solving problems that were previously considered intractable. Hundreds of corporations and research organizations, thousands of scientists, and dozens of investment institutions are supporting the current market focus on expanding the practical and broad application of quantum computing.

Quantum computing

The fundamentals of quantum computing are based on long-established, but rather enigmatic, quantum physics laws. This is the cornerstone of physical theory, and it explains the universe down to the level of individual atoms and subatomic particles. Superposition and entanglement, which are fundamental principles in quantum mechanics, have the potential to revolutionize computer advancements. The task of correctly and reliably harnessing this computing power to build practical quantum computers currently occupies researchers in the field of quantum information science.

Quantum computers

Quantum computers store and process information according to the laws of quantum physics. For certain tasks, this can be hugely beneficial since they could easily beat our top supercomputers. Traditional computers, such as desktops, laptops, and smartphones, use binary "bits" that can only contain the integers 0 or 1 to store data. The qubit, also known as a quantum bit, serves as the fundamental unit of memory within the realm of quantum computing.

Fundamentals of quantum computing

Recognizing qubits, superposition, and entanglement as key features that differentiate quantum computing from classical computing is the first step towards comprehending it.

1. Quantum qubits

Instead of binary digits (bits) that can only be 1s or 0s, quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in several states. In other words, a qubit can take on the values 0 or 1, or perhaps both, at the same time. Qubits are implemented by utilizing systems that exhibit quantum mechanical phenomena, such as electron spin or photon polarization. By precisely manipulating these features, it is possible to build and control qubits for computation.

In a way, qubits are as mystical as they sound. When compared to a yes/no, either/or binary state, the ability to assume a range of states provides remarkable computing properties. Unfortunately, qubits have their flaws. They are in a state of decoherence, which is difficult for quantum scientists to understand because of how fragile they are and how readily their surroundings may disrupt them. Quantum computations must operate at extremely low temperatures and for very short durations to maintain the qubits in their quantum state and accommodate this sensitivity. One of the primary obstacles in quantum computing is the development of stable qubits, which can keep their state for long enough to do practical computations.

2. Entanglement and superposition principles

Entanglement and superposition, two fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, form the foundation of quantum computing. Classical computing bits can only assume two states: 1 or 0. However, according to the principle of superposition in quantum mechanics, a quantum system can actually exist in more than one state or configuration at the same time. The subtlety of superposition is difficult to grasp through analogies alone, but think of a light without a switch but with a dimmer that you can turn on and off. It can also be visualized as a coin spinning rapidly. The coin alternates between the heads and tails positions until it stops and reaches its final position.

Entanglement increases the strength of superposition. No matter how physically distant two entangled qubits are, their states are still dependent on each other. Because qubits may do numerous calculations concurrently, this feature allows a quantum system's information capacity to rise exponentially with the number of qubits.

Quantum algorithms

Quantum gates and circuits form the foundations of quantum algorithms. A series of quantum gates is what makes up a quantum circuit. Logic gates make bit manipulation easy, but qubits are unique. A quantum circuit can control only quantum gates, allowing for complicated computations.

1. Quantum gates

Quantum gates are frequently employed to encode and modify data. They exert control over quantum bits (qubits), which have the ability to exist in several states simultaneously. They achieve this control by executing operations represented by matrices. Matrices are rectangular arrays of numerical or symbolic components organized in rows and columns. Examples of these operations include: state rotation, which alters the probabilities of a qubit being in the 0 or 1 state; entanglement, which connects the states of two qubits so that one is dependent on the other; superposition, which generates a state where the qubit exists in both 0 and 1; and state rotation.

2. Quantum circuits

A quantum circuit is an ordered set of quantum gates used to carry out a specific calculation. Similar to how bits in a traditional circuit traverse classical gates, qubits do the same thing as they go through these gates. The quantum character of these circuits, however, makes them superior to conventional circuits for certain hard processing tasks, such as factoring big numbers or modeling quantum systems. We must meticulously build quantum circuits to accommodate quantum phenomena like entanglement and coherence. In addition, quantum computing measurements differ significantly from classical computing. The collapse of a qubit's superposition to one of the basic states (0 or 1) during measurement impacts a computation's evaluation.

The benefits of quantum computing

Research teams are diligently striving to develop fault-tolerant quantum computation; should they achieve success, this technology could find application in a wide array of early domains. However, practical quantum computing encounters various obstacles. We predict that 2024 will be quantum computing's breakout year for the reasons mentioned below:

  • At some point in the future, quantum computers will be able to surpass conventional computers on many real-world issues, including optimization, simulation, machine learning, and cryptography. This will be quantum computing's advantage.
  • The proliferation of cloud-based quantum computing tools, platforms, and services, along with advancements in more efficient, scalable, and reliable quantum hardware and software, will make quantum computing more widely available and less expensive.
  • Additional government policies, laws, and financing, along with the formation of additional quantum companies, consortia, and initiatives, will lead to an influx of investment and new ideas in quantum computing.
  • Quantum computing will encourage greater collaboration and education as the community, ecosystem, and network of quantum computing expand and new quantum curricula, courses, and programs develop.
  • The widespread use of quantum computing and its integration with other cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, AI, and the internet of things will cause it to permeate more and more industries and fields.

Quantum computing's applications and implications

 

1. Cybersecurity and cryptography

In the realm of encryption and cybersecurity, quantum computing is monumental. Traditional encryption systems, such as RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), are based on the difficulty of factoring large numbers; however, quantum computers could perform this operation at an exponentially faster rate. The development of quantum-resistant cryptography is urgent, as this capability threatens to undermine current encryption standards. In contrast, quantum computing presents cutting-edge cryptographic methods, including quantum key distribution (QKD), which provides encryption that is theoretically impenetrable. To guarantee utmost confidentiality throughout data transmission, QKD employs quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement to identify any intrusion attempt. Quantum computers can analyze enormous datasets more efficiently than classical computers, enabling them to identify trends and potential threats in addition to enhancing cybersecurity. The ability to efficiently process and evaluate substantial quantities of data can significantly bolster the responsiveness and resilience of cybersecurity systems when it comes to detecting threats in real time.

2. Materials science and medicine

Quantum computation enables simulations of molecular and chemical interactions with an unprecedented degree of precision; this technology is fundamentally transforming the fields of pharmaceutical research and materials science. Classical computers struggle to keep up with the exponential increase in complexity of the number of variables in a molecular simulation, whereas quantum computers effortlessly manage this demand. With this capability, accurate modeling of molecular structures and behaviors is possible, resulting in faster and more effective drug development. To illustrate, quantum computers possess the capability to rapidly evaluate and predict the interactions that may occur between diverse pharmaceutical compounds and particular biological targets. By significantly improving the velocity and precision of drug candidate identification, this methodology can effectively reduce the reliance on trial-and-error strategies. Quantum simulations have the potential to completely change the field of materials research. By enabling the production of more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and productive materials, this has the capacity to fundamentally transform industries including renewable energy, electronics, and aerospace.

3. Finance and logistics

The implementation of quantum computation could significantly improve the efficiency of complex systems within the logistics and financial sectors. Quantum algorithms possess the capacity to fundamentally transform the financial industry by streamlining investment portfolios via simulation of numerous financial scenarios and concurrent analysis of vast quantities of market data. This has the potential to improve methodologies for allocating assets and generate more precise risk assessment models, thereby facilitating return optimization while mitigating risks. Quantum computing can accelerate the execution of complex financial computations, including option pricing models, which provides a competitive edge to high-frequency traders. Quantum computing possesses the capability to efficiently optimize supply chain management by reshaping logistics by outperforming classical computers in the resolution of intricate routing problems. This includes locating the most timely and economical public transportation routes. The optimization capabilities of quantum computing have the potential to significantly enhance the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of extensive logistical processes, such as aircraft scheduling or global shipping.

List of leading quantum computing players

  • IBM
  • Intel
  • Google
  • Rigetti Computing
  • IonQ
  • PsiQuantum
  • D-Wave Systems
  • Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC)
  • QC Ware
  • Alice & Bob
  • Xanadu Quantum Technologies
  • QuTech

Limitations and challenges with quantum computing

Numerous challenges and limitations plague the field of quantum computation. Quantum computing methods, even in comparison to the most advanced supercomputers, require exceptionally delicate hardware and rigorous engineering. In quantum computing, however, the susceptibility to external disturbances is the primary obstacle and limitation. Qubit errors can compromise a quantum computer's performance and execution speed due to their exceptional susceptibility to interference from elements such as heat, electromagnetic fields, and cosmic rays. Consequently, extreme caution is required to preserve these quantum states for an extended period of time. This substantially elucidates the rationale behind the intricate engineering of the devices. Nevertheless, to mitigate the consequences of this susceptibility to error, researchers must additionally devise methods for correcting such errors. Although teams are making noteworthy advancements, classical computers remain more stable than quantum computers, rendering them more suitable for resolving the majority of practical challenges, if not all of them.

Recent advancements in quantum computing

 

1. Improving the Internet with quantum technology

The Netherlands' Delft University of Technology laid the framework for what would eventually become the quantum internet in 2021 by successfully establishing a multi-node quantum network. A breakthrough that can transform data security and connectivity, this network linked three quantum processors and proved that quantum systems can communicate across distances.

2. Innovations in quantum error correction

In the scientific journal Nature, QuEra Computing announced a significant breakthrough in error correction. With the use of an error-corrected quantum computer that has 48 logical qubits and hundreds of entangling logical operations, researchers from Harvard University, QuEra Computing, MIT, and NIST/UMD were able to carry out large-scale algorithms.

3. Topological quantum computing

A topological quantum computer is a device that performs fault-tolerant quantum computation by using topologically ordered states of matter. In 2023, Quantinuum announced progress toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. The Quantinuum System Model H2 made this feat possible.

The future of quantum computing

Human constraints, rather than technological ones (such as qubit numbers, error correction, etc.), pose a significant threat to quantum computing. A lack of qualified quantum workers is hindering the industry's growth. While this may present a challenge, it may also present a prospect for progress and advancement. If the quantum computing sector takes off, businesses and nonprofits will have a greater demand for qualified engineers, physicists, and quantum scientists. Those familiar with quantum mechanics will also be in demand in the fields of sales, marketing, public relations, lobbying, and executive leadership.

There are several obstacles in the way of quantum computing's further development, but the field also holds great promise for revolutionizing many other areas. Although the pursuit of developing functional quantum computers continues, it is possible that an era in which such endeavors were commonplace is coming to an end. Although we cannot predict exact timelines for the advancement of this abruptly emerging and rapidly evolving technology, we can anticipate specific milestones in the coming years.