WTF is Quantum Computing!?

Pranav Nair
Nov 7 · 4 min read

An Introduction to the World of Quantum Computing!

So why Quantum?

The obsession of quantum began for me at a surprisingly young age. It began one day when I was in the car with my family. My dad asked me the infamous question, “What do you want to do when you grow up.” Me being the dumb 8 year old I was I said quantum mechanic (only reason I knew what this was becasue I saw it on a NASA article my mom showed me). My parents looked at me in bewilderment and said “You can never learn quantum mechanics, that is too hard.” And of course being the naive 8 year old I was I said, “Yes I can!” As the years went by, I began to hear more about quantum computing and now here I am explaining to you, WTF is Quantum Computing.

Beginnings

In today’s world, innovative technology has been coming to the market at an unprecedented rate, ranging from the famous IBM Watson to the not so famous, but promising, Blockchain model in banking. The issue is that we don’t have the computing power to run all of these wonderful technologies. Our modern day Supercomputers puts a restriction to the usability of these innovations. But there is a solution to this, and that is the Quantum Computer!

Boring Stuff -_-

So to help you understand what Quantum Computing is we need to get some terms and definitions out of the way. Let us begin with a qubit! A qubit is the basic unit of quantum operations. Now this qubit is in something called a superposition. A superposition is where a bit is between two quantum states, spin up and spin down. These spins then correlate to either a 1 or a 0. To make it simple a superposition is mix of two quantum states. There is much more to it, but I don’t want to bore you with all of that. So let the fun begin!

Quantum Computing

So now that the definitions are out of the way, I shall explain to you what this amazing technology truly is. So, what makes a quantum computer special is the fact that one qubit is equivalent to two bits. Now how is this possible? Through its superposition, that’s how! When a qubit is in its superposition, it is in between two quantum states. To manipulate the qubit you must measure it’s state. As soon as you measure the qubit it’s state will change. Another way you can manipulate a qubit is through shooting certain frequency waves at the qubit to change its spin (either up or down). Say with a classic computer you have 6 bits, these 6 bits, since they have a set value, will only be able to make a measly 36 combinations (6 x 6). But when we look at a quantum computer with 6 qubits, that are in a superposition between 1 and 0, we are able to make a possible 64 combinations (2^6). This is what truly makes quantum computing so powerful since every qubit you add makes the possible amount of combinations rise exponentially!

So, Why Not Now?

Well there are many reasons for why quantum computing has been a pain in the neck for engineers. One of the reasons why quantum computing has been held back is it has to be in a controlled enviroment. You see qubits are LITERALLY sensitive to everything. For qubits to display information the qubits must be kept in a vacuum sealed casing that is kept near absolute 0. These conditions are impossible to reach on earth naturally and to maintain these conditions is costly. The second problem is decoherence, which is the biggest obstacle we face that prevents us from the quantum leap. If anything, literally ANYTHING AT ALL, affects the qubits in the slightest way the superpositions of the qubits will be ruined corrupting the information.

The Quiet Kid

If I had to say who is one of the outcasts of emerging tech I would have to say it’s quantum computing. Most people that I meet are usually only talking about AI/Machine Learning and other technologies, not that there’s anything wrong with that. The fact of the matter is that for these technologies to achieve their true potential they would need the computing power to do so. The quantum leap is soon, and when this leap happens technologies like AI, Blockchain, and IoT will unleash their true potential.

Pranav Nair

Written by

I am a TKS Innovator with a vision to change the tech landscape as we know it by using quantum computing and other pieces of emerging tech to spice things up!

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade