Quantum Hardware

The physical devices that make quantum computing possible

Photo by david latorre romero on Unsplash

In the world of quantum computing, hardware is just as important as software. After all, even the most brilliant algorithms will be useless without the right hardware to run them on. That’s why this chapter is all about quantum hardware: the physical devices that make quantum computing possible.

Introduction to Quantum Computing

At the heart of every quantum computer are qubits, the quantum equivalent of classical bits. But unlike classical bits, which can only exist in one of two states (either 0 or 1), qubits can exist in a superposition of states. This is what gives quantum computers their tremendous power: the ability to perform many calculations simultaneously.

Superconducting qubit

The most common type of qubit is the superconducting qubit, which is used in many of the most advanced quantum computers today. These qubits are made from tiny loops of superconducting wire, cooled to near absolute zero temperatures. When a current is passed through the loop, it creates a magnetic field that can be…