From Quantum Mechanics To Quantum Computers: How Did It Begin?
Physics underwent a revolution long before the very concept of quantum computer was even born Quantum mechanics, a theory borne out of the study and observation of atoms that puzzles our most basic notions of common sense, is in some respects being harnessed to build a new kind of computer, one that can perform calculations unreachable by classical computers. Superposition, entanglement, and uncertainty are key aspects of quantum mechanics that have made it possible for the principles of this theory to be applied to describe new ways of conducting mathematical specs correctly or manipulating information by methods entirely different from those employed in the classical equipment used so far.
The birth of quantum mechanics
Some of the things that scientists could not describe using classical physics are quantum mechanics, which existed in the early 20th Century. In 1900, Max Planck named the quantum of action (such as in this case) when he proposed that quantized energy levels should be conceived as tiny ‘packets’ of energy associated with each basic mode in which these oscillators could vibrate. Since then, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Werner Heisenberg showed such vastness to be accompanied by even more perplexing behavior of particles at the level of quanta which exhibit wave-particle duality. During those breakthroughs, our old understanding of matter and energy was chucked out the window making possible technology that would be beyond their eras — so to fight large scale on 20th century nuclear power, meaning that we were moving towards developing quantum computers.
Quantum mechanics meets the computer science world
As quantum mechanics developed, visionary thinkers like Richard Feynman and David Deutsch began to envision how the unique properties of quantum systems could be used for computation. Most forms of computers employ conventional units called bits, basic binary units labeled 0 and 1. Qubits also have the potential they be in a quantum state, which is a state of zero, one, or both.
While in classical computing models, the computing is carried out in a sequential manner the new models that have been developed in quantum computing can process substantially more parallel solutions. This can be made by using qubits and the idea that a qubit can be in many different states at the same time, so a superposition can be made. Besides, entanglement means qubits interact with other qubits at the moment, independently of distance. Namely, a quantum computer can take on a specific task better than a classical computer.
The major step toward the physical realization of a quantum computer has been made after the establishment of the quantum gate model, which is quite similar to the gates used in classical computers. Quantum gates work on qubits, which in turn will enable the carrying out of quantum algorithms, as they can do a certain number of operations. This also created new algorithms like Shor’s algorithm which is useful in incapacitating classically encrypted communication or message since the capability of large number factoring also exists, the other one is Grover’s algorithm which has the ability to out-search the classical search on an unsorted list or database.
The rise of quantum computers in the technology industry
Today, quantum computation is not only an idea, or better still a theory, but actually a reality. While IBM, Google, DWave, etc. do not have working superior machines that reflect quantum mechanics they do have quantum computers. These machines use physical quantum, created through processes such as superconducting circuits, and trapped ions, among others, for operations that conventional computers would not, or could not, do efficiently.
In a report published in 2019, Google revealed that this very quantum computer has solved a calculation in 200 seconds for what it would take the most powerful classical supercomputer a staggering 10,000 years to do, hence Google’s declaration of quantum supremacy. The quantum computer called Sycamore by Google solved a problem in approximately three minutes, and 24 thousand years by classical computers. This set the stage for showing the world that quantum computers are at some level that right now could be implemented.
But, the quantum computer is in the developmental phase right even up to today’s generation. Among the main disadvantages is what has been called quantum insecurity, whereas in an ideal system, the state of the qubits would be purely quantum, in reality, something always enters the process and interferes. Indeed, it becomes quite difficult to sustain that kind of steadiness which is quite essential while performing long complex calculations. Another problem that comes with error correction in quantum computing is that probably the most sensitive parts of a quantum computer are the qubits. Since it is possible to be in an overall error then it is symptomatic that even if the error is a slight one it is capable of doing a lot of damage.
However, quantum computers still evolve with constant improvements beginning to show. At present, the most emphasis is placed on the development of different kinds of error correction codes and the improvement of qubits. Further, actual arrangements are formulated to eliminate real-life complications in different areas of specialized science like cryptography and material science.
The future of quantum computing
When we move to the future, one can say that the future of Quantum computing looks strikingly bright. Granted we are not quite there yet in terms of the full capability of these machines, but in pharmacy, finance, artificial intelligence could change a lot in the next few years. Think about it as quantum computers imitating molecules to discover a new drug or design the most effective supply chain or financial structures.
Quantum computing has revealed a probability world when a dramatic merge between quantum mechanics and computation takes place. For instance, quantum computers are not well suited to work as classical computers in order to help us as assistants in our daily lives, but they are well suited to solving problems that could create big impacts in fields that require heavy computations. As a result, however long the human race has not solved the puzzle of the quantum world, the domain of quantum computing will also continue to be shrouded in mystery.
Final words
Quantum computation is an area of research that will be looked upon as an area of interest in need of a number of researchers from different fields for several decades to come. The application of this model can be useful in the following field of study: the field of pharmacology, and more specifically in drug discovery. Scientists have reduced the time it takes to develop new medicines through computer simulations of biomolecular structures with one-quarter the size of molecules at a quantum level. Quantum computing shall step up to the next level in the near future and the future looks bright.
