Quantum Computing: What is it and how can it Revolutionize our Future?

The past week has been really awesome and inspiring for me! I have researched a topic that I would have never dreamt about. Without having prior knowledge in quantum physics, I decided to take an in depth look at what quantum computing is and how it can impact millions.

At first when hearing about Quantum, I thought it would be a really hard field to look into and understand. But with a lot of time and effort, I’m so glad that I chose to go forward with it. I love learning about challenging topics and the implications of quantum computing are insane.

Instead of you having to do weeks of research to gain an understanding of it, here’s a sort of “TL; DR” that’s longer, but not near as long as a 50 page research paper. Plus, this is going to be a lot more interesting and easy to understand to help those who are beginners. Enjoy!

The facts I found really astonished me. Just as a quick brief, here’s a quick story about how quantum computing originated. It was first discovered and explored in the beginning of the 20th century, and that helped better understand the motion of particles such as photons and electrons at an atomic and subatomic level. Using the tools provided by physicists, we are now able to build upon the knowledge that has already been scientifically proven. We can leverage these technologies, and advance them to make technologies and innovations that improve our way of living, how we approach solving problems and that will disrupt a lot of industries.

There are two main parts to Quantum:

• Superposition.

The computers we have today use binary chips, it can either be a 0 or 1, while quantum computers can be both states simultaneously. This explains the theory of having quantum bits or qubits in the computer, allowing there to be endless possibilities.

Bits are used in normal computers, and can be either a 0 or a 1. Quantum bite, or qubits have the property of superposition, allowing them to be at 0 and 1 at the same time!

• Uncertainty.

On the other hand, uncertainty is based off of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This principle states that you cannot know the exact velocity and position of the object.

For instance, when playing a game like chess on your computer, you have a fifty-fifty percent chance of winning. In quantum computers, the chance of humans winning against the computer is less than five percent. Physicists are currently working towards making that percentage error even smaller. This makes quantum computing a reliable source when working with perhaps anything, even protein arrangements. This is because quantum computers have a property of superposition. Superposition is when the quantum bits, or qubits can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This results in the quantum computing to always ‘win’ in this case.

Companies are looking at further developing the mechanics of this device. IBM and Google are both working on developing a quantum computer. Although, Google’s computer is significantly more advanced than IBM’s. Rigetti and D- Wave are similar companies, also looking to use what physicists know to revolutionize what we know. Rigetti is one of the only companies that is creating a program where software engineers can develop quantum algorithms. On the other hand, D- Wave is considered one of the first companies to sell their computers, partially using mechanics from quantum. It is going to define our future as the percentage error in any given task is minimal.

Both Google and IBM have different innovative ideas on developing their quantum computer. On the left, is Google’s, and on the right is IBM’s. They are further being developed to meet the need of a compact and accessible computer.

This emerging technology will revolutionize the future. Using computers for tasks that seem impossible to be done by humans, because the risk factor is too high, can be reliably done by these computers. Physicists have already discovered ways this technology can positively impact millions of lives. There are three main applications that fascinated me the most.

Firstly, quantum uncertainty can be used to create private keys for kripting messages sent from one place to another, without the hacker copying the key perfectly. This would help large companies transport information from one place to another, without worrying about their competitors. Microsoft for instance, has already started developing their quantum computer.

This technology will also be able to transform healthcare and medicine. When chemists, research all the possibilities for drug development, so much time and effort is put in. there are billions of dollars invested, with sometimes more than ten years of research. These computers can find combinations a lot quicker than humans can. This could lead to treatments for diseases that have low survival rates.

Lastly, we would be able to efficiently transport data. We can teleport information, without actually transporting them. A property relating to entanglement is in operation. This occurs when two particles fuse together. For instance, in the near future, we would be able to communicate with other without any physical interaction, and we could also move data without the use of wires.

Photonic quantum computing is another aspect that is still currently being developed. The computers we currently use, transport information using electrons. The current speed of most chips can go up to 100, 000 metres per second, which is a high processing speed. Although, the fastest something can move is 3x10⁸. Also referred to as the speed of light. So why can’t we use that speed to transport information? Photons are particles that travel a lot faster than the speed of electrons. Currently, we use transistors to turn light into electrons. Transmitters are switches that run on either a 0 or a 1 basis; having it either stopped or still flowing.

With the endless solutions, how do we practically know if it is right or wrong? When the answers or possibilities are incorrect, we get deconstructive interference, cancelling the wave. On the other hand, when the answer or possibilities are correct, the waves build on each other, giving us constructive interference, making it visible to see the outcomes.

When two waves with the same path interfere, the waves add up, resulting in constructive interference. On the other hand, when one of the two waves have shifted 180 degrees (left or right), both waves cancel out, resulting in deconstructive interference.

There is a substantial difference in purpose between the computers we use today and quantum computers. These advanced computers will be used to secure confidential information, making sure there is no leakage. This would benefit all fields of study as the computer will no longer be able to get hacked. It is assumed that by 2030, these computers will be in the market, for sale, and available to use for commercial purposes. By 2050, it is predicted that they will replace normal computers, and eventually reach and be accessible to most households. The possibilities for quantum are so exciting for me, and especially the applications I listed above. I’m super passionate about healthcare, and can’t wait to see the impact quantum will have especially on drug development and solving problems in new ways, some in which humans couldn’t have even imagined.

Quantum computing is a really interesting space that needs a lot more smart people working in the space to accelerate development in the field. Stay tuned for some more articles that will explain the technical basis of quantum computing more in depth! I’m really excited to research and learn more about it, while also being able to share my knowledge with all of you.