The silent march of a life changing technology
How quantum computing might change the way we experience life, solve problems and shape our future — be prepared.
Where a century ago Schrödinger’s cat was as alive as it was dead, we are now on the brink of a second quantum revolution. Schrödinger’s attempt to illustrate the profoundly paradoxical nature of quantum mechanics appeared to deny its purpose. Subatomic principles forced into the laws of macroscopic dimensions were deemed to miss Schrödinger’s point, as critiqued by Mr Hawking himself. The ability of quantum mechanic particles to exist in more than one position at the same time is exceeding our simple, macroscopic brains. The technology, however, suggests a promising quantum-infused future.
As we speak, physicists worldwide are breaking their heads over the possibilities of quantum mechanics as the framework for technological advancements. And with these efforts, the latest brainchild of said physicists has been born: quantum computing. This new form of data processing using a quantum computer has the potential of sowing complete chaos in our beloved status quo.
What you once believed about computing will forever be changed.
Beyond the binary borders
Continuing Einstein’s theory of relativity, using knowledge from the first quantum revolution and augmented with contemporary technology, the quantum computer poses a new spectrum to our current paradigm. The device you use to read this article is doubtlessly using bits with a value of either 1 or 0 to express information. The quantum computer — however — is completely letting go of this norm and uses so called quantum bits, or ‘qubits’, that are able to have a value of 1 and 0 simultaneously. This ‘superposition’ of qubits allows information to be processed using electrons or other quantum mechanic matter.
This might seem complicated and you might have given up reading by now — if not, I salute you and hope you will embrace the upcoming wonders of quantum computing.
Subatomic laws aren’t black and white
Qubits are making it possible to process information at the speed of light. Where our current binary — read: ancient — computers are still delving through piles of possible corresponding solutions, quantum computers are able to analyze all possible solutions at once to find a match. All made viable by the superposition of qubits.
Neither is distance a factor of concern in the transmission of information via quantum computer; two quantum mechanic particles “communicate” with the speed of light where the condition of one particle automatically expresses the condition of the corresponding particle. This ‘entanglement’ of particles forms the basis for the transmission of information independent of physical connection, cloud or distance via quantum computer.
Wanted: dead and alive
So, you were probably waiting for the dead/alive cat to make an appearance in this story — for obvious reasons (of the lovable kind). Well, here we go. The previously mentioned superposition of qubits is for us — simple mortals, bound to the laws of nature — difficult to comprehend. Being at one place means you can’t be somewhere else too, …although this might be one of the more convenient super powers.
Subatomic laws, unfortunately, aren’t this black and white.
Up until the moment of measurement of the condition of ‘something’, the ‘something’ is both one and the other. Therefore, the observer performing a measurement is determining the actual condition of the ‘something’. During the 1930’s renowned physicist Erwin Schrödinger demonstrated this paradoxical principle with a thought experiment. And this is where the cat comes into play.
The experiment was set up to demonstrate the effect of a moment of measurement on a possible condition and, maybe even more so, to illustrate the ridiculousness of applying quantum mechanics in macroscopic circumstances — so the physicist argued. Schrödinger (theoretically) placed a cat in a box that contained a poison with a 50% chance of being released within an hour. Close the box and experience the “superposition” of the cat, where Schrödinger was — up until opening the box after an hour — not aware of the factual condition of the cat and the animal is therefore both dead and alive.
Luckily, no cats were hurt in this experiment. Maybe just a little pissed off for being the direct object in a thought experiment instead of being worshipped as the superior species.
Translating this experiment to the technology of the quantum computer: the cat is the qubit. Up until the moment of measurement (opening the box) the qubit has a value of 1 and 0. The chance of a qubit being a 1 or a 0 when measuring equals 100%, which can only be determined by doing such a measurement. Determinative of this value is the direction of rotation or ‘spin’ of the electron (= qubit); this can either be clockwise or counterclockwise. Which can be translated to ‘spin up’ or ‘spin down’ — eventually to be interpreted as a 1 or a 0. This indicates that quantum mechanics do in fact serve a purpose when considered in a macroscopic world — sorry, Schrödinger.
A product of last century
‘Quantum computer’ might sound like some high-tech, hyper-modern, twenty-first century invention, but it’s not.
The blueprints for the quantum computer were already in the making during the nineteen-eighties. The concept of the computer — running on the scientific theories of quantum mechanics — can be granted to physicists Paul Benioff, Yuri Manin and Richard Feynman. Of which the latter once proclaimed that no one, including Feynman himself, understood quantum mechanics to its full lengths.
Despite the incomprehensible elements, the ideas of the three physicists were taken as the foundational principles for the development of the quantum computer. Making it the highly advanced technology it is today.
The future is quantum
The possibilities of the quantum computer gradually start to manifest themselves; intensive research is being done to explore the possible applications of this rather young technology.
The quantum technology seems to not be limited to small scale problems only.
Because of the ability of quantum computers to rapidly process parallel calculations — way faster than our ordinary, binary computers — large (worldwide) problems can be solved (more effectively).
However, the quantum computer is not applicable to every aspect of society. But sectors such as medicine, security, biology or material science are likely to highly benefit from the technology. This being true because a quantum computer is ‘thinking’ along the lines of natural phenomena; complexities that can’t be grasped through binary computers can be tackled with a quantum computer because of its ability to simulate scientific systems.
Quantum internet is not a ‘couple of years’ thing
Next to the thorough research on the possibilities of quantum computing in solving world problems, promising progress has also been made in China. Physicists and scientists are testing the suitability of quantum computing as a framework for a quantum internet. However, this requires a lot of money, energy and insanely smart people. So judging from our state of politics and heads of state, the quantum internet is not a ‘couple of years’ thing.
Eternal promise or technological breakthrough
You have to be an anti-technology activist or completely filled with botox to not express your excitement about the possibilities of quantum computing, and even then you might not be able to hide the butterflies in your stomach. It is huge. Yes, huge deal. It might even have extremely beneficial consequences for the reduction of climate change — were it to exist, of course!
However, even with this great technological breakthrough some marginal notes must be placed. The technology is in its infancy.
A number of problems have already risen during the experimental phase of quantum computing. One of these complications is the instability of the superposition of qubits. The need for qubits to be put in a superposition in order to be able to transmit information makes them dependent of a stable environment. The slightest disturbance causes the qubits to be disrupted from their superposition. This decoherence is causing them to take on the value of 1 or 0 before a measurement — diminishing the stability of the quantum computer.
Luckily, as with most problems, the solutions are already in the making. To increase the stability of qubits they have to consist the perfect building blocks. Whether these are electrons or other quantum mechanic matter is still to be determined.
Might quantum computing take a leap and be scalable enough to put into practice on a worldwide level, it may solve some fundamental problems. Extend the calculation of chemical reactions, which may reveal new forms of material. Develop improved or even optimized medicine. Identify the specific causes of climate change. I told you: huge! But whether quantum computing will be the next big thing or stay an eternal promise — and end up in the list right underneath Google Glass — is a question to be answered in fifty years.
Until then, quantum computing is hella exciting!
