Quantum Computing

Subatomic particles can exist in more than one state at any given time. Quantum computing takes advantage of this ability, allowing operations to be carried out significantly faster than with regular computers while also being able to store more information.
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Technology Life Cycle

Technology Life Cycle

R&D

Initial phase where new technologies are conceptualized and developed. During this stage, technical viability is explored and initial prototypes may be created.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

Prototype Testing

Prototype is fully functional and ready for testing in industrially relevant environment.

Technology Diffusion

Technology Diffusion

Innovators

First to adopt new technologies. They are willing to take risks and are crucial to the initial testing and development of new applications.

Quantum Computing

A quantum computer operates on the subatomic level, where the quantum mechanics rules, like superposition and entanglement, apply. This allows for the execution of complex calculations that would be practically impossible with classical computers. Unlike traditional computers, which store and process data in bits that can only be either 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can be in a superposition of both 0 and 1 states at the same time. This property allows quantum computers to perform many calculations simultaneously and exponentially speed up certain types of computations that are intractable for classical computers.

This technology has significant advantages in performing highly complex operations and solving complicated optimization problems at extreme speeds. For instance, quantum computing could be particularly useful for advanced climate modeling, and optimization of transportation. Also, quantum computers can break many of the commonly used cryptographic protocols, which rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers. They can also simulate the behavior of molecules and chemical reactions, which can be useful for drug discovery and materials science. Additionally, they can be used to solve optimization problems that arise in areas such as logistics and finance, where finding the best solution among a large number of possibilities is important.

However, quantum computing is still in its early stages of development, and building and programming quantum computers remain challenging tasks. The delicate nature of quantum systems also means that quantum computers are susceptible to errors caused by environmental disturbances and noise, which can limit their usefulness for certain types of computations. Nevertheless, quantum computing is a rapidly developing field with the potential to revolutionize computing and impact many aspects of our lives in the future.

Future Perspectives

Instead of physically owning a quantum computer, thanks to emerging and future fiberoptics and wireless standards, it is likely that compute time would be bought from central computing facilities. This would continue the shift towards a post-ownership society.

A whole new field of research called quantum machine learning explores the possibility of merging artificial minds with more nature-like processing technologies. The combination of the extreme computing power of quantum computers and such a versatile technology as neural networks could bring about machines with a level of intelligence similar to that of humans but with much higher processing speeds. One of the first tasks of quantum machine learning agents might be the design of their own successors.

Image: Midjourney

Sources
Google achieves 3D integration of Superconducting qubits
The main advantages of a quantum communication network over a conventional one are speed and security.
In the near future, one of the major challenges in the realization of large-scale quantum computers operating at low temperatures is the management of harmful heat loads owing to thermal conduction of cabling and dissipation at cryogenic components.
Why we need quantum computers, how they compare to classical computer and what is holding us back from using it
Entering the quantum era opens doors to endless possibilities. Within seconds, a quantum computer can solve certain problems that would take a classical computer billions of years. This new potential can lead to breakthroughs across industries, from healthcare to life sciences, and beyond. But as our computational power grows exponentially, our cryptography must be upgraded as well.
Financial institutions are exploring quantum computing, both to dramatically speed up immensely complicated calculations and to improve their accuracy.
NASA’s quantum computing project is a longterm research activity to assess the potential of quantum computers to perform calculations that are difficult or impossible using conventional supercomputers in a realistic timeframe. The project is an innovative collaboration among teams at NASA, Google, and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). NASA’s goal is to demonstrate that quantum computers and quantum algorithms could someday dramatically improve the agency’s ability to solve challenging computational problems for missions in aeronautics, Earth and space sciences, and space exploration.
Canadian company joins IBM and Rigetti in offering online access to pricey hardware
BEIJING (Chinese Academy of Sciences PR) — A team of Chinese scientists have realized the satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs over 1,200 kilometers. The photon pairs were demonstrated to be still entangled after travelling long distances.
The quantum computing revolution may be even more profound than the digital computing revolution a half century ago and it will happen much faster.
Fully-fledged quantum computers are closer to coming online. We need to prepare now for the security implications with post-quantum encryption algorithms.
Computers built on the principles of quantum physics—as opposed to 'classical' physics—promise a revolution on the order of the invention of the microprocessor or the…
Researchers and companies are creating ultra-secure communication networks that could form the basis of a quantum internet. This is how it works.
The quantum internet, which connects particles linked together by the principle of quantum entanglement, is like the early days of the classical internet – no one can yet imagine what uses it could have, according to Professor Ronald Hanson, from Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands, whose team was the first to prove that the phenomenon behind it was real.
Researchers have demonstrated that quantum bits (qubits) can directly transfer between quantum computer microchips and demonstrated this with record-breaking connection speed and accuracy. This breakthrough resolves a major challenge in building quantum computers large and powerful enough to tackle complex problems that are of critical importance to society.
Quantum processing will exponentially increase the speed of digital computations
Key component for quantum computers miniaturized by 1000 times
Fuelled by increasing computer power and algorithmic advances, machine learning techniques have become powerful tools for finding patterns in data. Quantum systems produce atypical patterns that classical systems are thought not to produce efficiently, so it is reasonable to postulate that quantum computers may outperform classical computers on machine learning tasks.
Quantum computing isn’t merely about speed. It’s about tackling problems differently and making the seemingly impossible possible, if not commonplace.
If it fulfills its promise, quantum machine learning could transform AI.

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