Quantum Computers: The Future of Computing
Recent innovations in the field of computers have helped humans to harness the power of Quantum Physics to solve Mathematical models whose calculation was thought to be impossible before Quantum Computers came into existence.
This article will give you an insight into these so known super complicated devices.
So, First of all, what is “Quantum”?
Quantum physics has defied logic since the atom was first studied in the early 20th century. It turns out atoms do not follow the traditional rules of physics. Quantum particles can move forward or backward in time, exist in two places at once and even “teleport.” It’s these strange behaviors that quantum computers aim to use to their advantage.
So how do Quantum Computers use it?
Classical computers manipulate ones and zeroes to crunch through operations, but quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits. Just like classical computers, quantum computers use ones and zeros, but qubits have a third state called “superposition” that allows them to represent a one and a zero at the same time. Instead of analyzing a one or a zero sequentially, superposition allows two qubits in superposition to represent four scenarios at the same time. Therefore, the time it takes to crunch a data set is significantly reduced.
Superposition is the term used to describe the quantum state where particles can exist in multiple states at the same time, and which allows quantum computers to look at many different variables at the same time.
So why do we need Quantum Computers?
Quantum computers can solve problems that are impossible or would take a traditional computer an impractical amount of time (a billion years) to solve.
Virtually unbreakable encryption? Quantum computers will change the landscape of data security. Even though quantum computers would be able to crack many of today’s encryption techniques, predictions are that they would create hack-proof replacements.
Quantum computers are great for solving optimization problems from figuring out the best way to schedule flights at an airport to determining the best delivery routes for the FedEx truck.
Every day, we produce 2.5 exabytes of data. That number is equivalent to the content on 5 million laptops. Quantum computers will make it possible to process the amount of data we’re generating in the age of big data.
Then if Quantum Computers are so useful then why isn’t it used more often and why Conventional Computers still exist?
They are not used so often due to the following few reasons:
Classical computers are better at some tasks than quantum computers (email, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing to name a few). The intent of quantum computers is to be a different tool to solve different problems, not to replace classical computers
In order to keep quantum computers stable, they need to be cold in fact so cold that they are close to absolute zero. That’s why the inside of D-Wave Systems’ quantum computer is -460 degrees Fahrenheit.
Quantum computers are very fragile. Any kind of vibration impacts the atoms and causes decoherence. Decoherence in a layman’s language could be understood as the loss of information to the environment. The decoherence of the qubits occurs when the system interacts with the surrounding in a thermodynamically irreversible manner.
If It’s So Complex, Why Is Everyone After Quantum Computing?
A fully functional quantum computer would require around a million atoms. And right now, we are at a mere thousand. But, what would happen if we reach that limit or even its half?
Quantum computers will lead to research that is either considered hypothetical or at a standstill. From simulating and computing the molecular scale structures to stretching far into the mysteries of the Universe, we cannot even dream of the possibilities.
