Quantum Computing

Quantum Computing helps in solving mathematical problems and runs quantum models based on the tenets of quantum theory. It is used to model quantum systems including photosynthesis, superconductivity, complex molecular formations, etc. To get an overview of what quantum computing is and how it works you first need to understand what are qubits, entanglement, superposition and, quantum interference.

What are qubits?

--> Also known as quantum bits, qubits are the basic unit of information in quantum computing. They can be thought of as being analogous to a traditional binary bit in traditional computing.

--> Qubits have the ability to be in multiple states at one time. A Binary bit can represent only either 1 or 0. Qubits can be 0 or 1, as well as any part of 0 and 1 in a superposition of both states.

--> Qubits can be made from trapped ions, photons, artificial or real atoms, or quasiparticles depending on the architecture of quantum systems because some require very very cold temperatures to function properly. On the other hand, binary bits are often silicon-based chips.

What is superposition?

In simple terms, quantum superposition is a mode in which quantum particles are a combination of all possible states. These particles continue to fluctuate and are in motion while the quantum computer measures and observes each particle. Instead of having to perform tasks in a sequence, just like a traditional computer does, quantum computers can run a vast number of parallel computations. It is because of superposition that quantum computers can try all paths at once.

What is entanglement?

Entanglement is integral to the power of quantum computing. Pairs of qubits can be made to become entangled. The two qubits then exist in one state. In such a state changing one qubit directly affects the other in a predictable manner. Quantum algorithms are designed to take advantage of this to solve complex problems. If the number of bits in a classical computer is doubled, its processing power is doubled. On the other hand, adding qubits results in an exponential rise in the computing power and ability of quantum computers.

What is quantum interference?

As qubits experience superposition, they can also naturally experience quantum interference. This interference is the probability of qubits collapsing one way or another. Because of the possibility of interference, quantum computers work to reduce it and ensure accurate results.

How does quantum computing work?

--> Traditional computers operate on binary bits but quantum computers transmit information via qubits. It is because the qubit is able to remain in superposition that quantum computers have an exponentially high potential for greater computational power.

--> With the help of a variety of algorithms quantum computers conduct measurements and observations.

--> These algorithms are input by a user, the computer then creates a multi-dimensional space where patterns and individual data points are stored.

--> Physically the quantum computer is built with mainly three parts, the first part being a traditional computer and infrastructure running programming and sending instructions to the qubits.

--> The second part is a method to transfer signals from the computer to the qubits.

--> The final part is a storage unit for the qubits. This unit must be able to stabilize the qubits and certain needs or requirements have to be met. These can range from needing the temperature to near zero degrees or the housing of a vacuum chamber.

--> Qubits require higher maintenance than the most meltdown-prone substance.

--> Any simple action or vibration can send the error-prone qubits into decoherence or lead to the loss of the quantum state. Things that can cause a quantum computer to crash include measuring qubits and running operations. In other words, even using the quantum computer can cause it to crash. Small vibrations and temperature shifts will also cause qubits to decohere. This is why quantum computers are kept isolated and the ones that run on superconducting circuits have to be kept near absolute zero. (-460 degrees Fahrenheit).

--> According to what a scientist said, hundreds to thousands of physical qubits may be required to form fault-tolerant qubits. It is safe to say that none of the technology that we have at the moment could scale out to those levels. More complex systems may be required to handle the increase in qubit fidelity and numbers.

Real-World Applications of Quantum Computing and where can quantum computing be used?

--> Quantum computing can help optimize problem-solving by using quantum computers to run quantum-inspired algorithms. Science and industry facts can apply these optimizations because they hugely rely on factors like cost, quality, and production time. Quantum computing will bring new discoveries in how to manage air traffic control, package deliveries, energy storage, and more.

--> In 2017, researchers at IBM modeled beryllium hydride the largest molecule simulated on a quantum computer to date.

--> IonQ researchers, in 2019 used quantum computing to simulate a water molecule.

--> Large-scale quantum computers will help accelerate AI and vice versa.

--> There is also a belief that quantum computers can help combat climate change by improving carbon capture. Quantum simulation of larger molecules if achieved could help build a catalyst for removing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.

--> Quantum computers are being used currently. They aren't however, presently solving climate change, turbocharging financial forecasting probabilities, or performing other similar lofty tasks that get bandied about in reference to the potential of quantum computing.

--> Quantum computing may have commercial applications related to these problems but it is yet to solve those and might take a lot more time.